Ronald Tapley Obituary
Ronald Leon Tapley, age 57 years, of Pine Knot, Kentucky died Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at his home.
He was born in Somerset, Kentucky on August 27, 1968 the son of Denzil Leon and Josie (Privett) Tapley. Ronald had been a lift operator for McCreary Hardwoods and a member of the Hilltop Missionary Baptist Church. Ronald enjoyed fishing, coon hunting, racing, 4 wheelers, rail buggies, but he greatest enjoyment in life was his family and attending church at every opportunity.
He is preceded in death by his father, Denzil Leon Tapley; brother, Denver Tapley; sister, Josephine Tapley; and 1 infant sibling.
Survivors include his wife, Rhonda Jo (Trammell) of Pine Knot, Kentucky; mother, Josie Tapley of Strunk, Kentucky; daughters, Brandie Tapley Lyons (Brian) of Strunk, Kentucky, Sierra Tapley of Pine Knot, Kentucky, and Heaven Tapley of Pine Knot, Kentucky; brother, Donald Tapley (Marie) of Strunk, Kentucky; sister, Debra Spradlin (Michael) of Strunk, Kentucky; and grandchildren, Stormi, Asher, and Noella.
Funeral services will be held 2pm Sunday, January 4, 2026 at the Hilltop Missionary Baptist Church with Bro. Tommy Tapley and Bro. Mark Muse officiating. Burial will follow in the Jesse Privett Cemetery. The family will receive friends after 5pm Friday, January 2, 2026 and all day Saturday, January 3, 2026 at his Home, 250 Tie Mill Rd Pine Knot, KY.
McCreary County Funeral Home entrusted with the arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
48 W Hwy 700 PO Box 456, Whitley City, KY 42653
People and places connected with Ronald
Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Tapley
Make a Donation
in Ronald Tapley's name
How to support Ronald's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Ronald Tapley's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
