William "Ron" Pinkleton

William "Ron" Pinkleton passed away peacefully at home in Nashville on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, surrounded by family, after several months of hospitalizations following a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Born on April 20, 1943, in Nashville, Tennessee, Ron lived a life defined by service, humility, faith, and deep devotion to family and friends.

Ron grew up in Nashville and attended Crieve Hall Elementary and Central High School. His childhood was filled with sports, friendships, occasional shenanigans and a strong sense of hard work and independence. In school, teachers often noted his tendency to talk a little too much-a trait that would later become one of his most endearing qualities as a storyteller and conversationalist. And a trait that may – or may not- have been passed on to his children and grandkids.

His early life also included hardship. When Ron was young, his mother, Ruby Marshall, died unexpectedly in a car accident. His father, Bill ("Red"), later married Ernestine, who lovingly helped raise Ron from the age of five and remained a devoted mother throughout his life. He was the pride and joy of his parents and he loved them dearly.

Ron proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1962 to 1966, achieving the rank of Airman Second Class. He was stationed at Tan Son Nhut Air Base in Saigon, Viet Nam, and he received several honors, including the Vietnam Service Medal. His military service instilled in him a lifelong commitment to serving his country and community. In later years, he continued this commitment by working as a Davidson County election poll official and as a dedicated volunteer to fellow veterans.

Following his military service, Ron built a remarkable 38-year career with Werthan Packaging Industries. Beginning as a salesman, he steadily rose through the ranks to become Senior Vice President. Ron was widely respected for his integrity, kindness, and leadership. He mentored many young sales professionals beginning their careers and built lasting relationships with colleagues and clients alike.

Service remained central to Ron's life beyond his career. He served as a deacon and leader in several churches, helped co-found the Crieve Hall Neighborhood Association, participated in his high school alumni association, and served on the Nashville Mayor's Beautification Committee. He coached countless youth baseball, basketball, and softball teams his kids played on and later some of his grandchildren.

After retiring, Ron began volunteering every Monday at the Nashville VA Medical Center. What began as a simple desire to help soon became a 17-year commitment. Ron proudly wore his yellow volunteer vest while greeting and guiding veterans through the busy hospital, offering a friendly face and helping hand to those who had also served their country. By 2023, he had logged more than 4,000 volunteer hours and was awarded the President's Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication to veterans. Not surprisingly, when a palliative care doctor asked Ron what he might like to do when he got home following discharge from his last VA hospital stay, he quickly replied "I would like to be able to continue to volunteer here." While the cancer had other plans and he didn't get to volunteer again, he continued his service to his family by showing them how to handle incredible personal and physical adversity with a mix of fortitude, strength through vulnerability and courage. Still teaching his children lessons until the end.

Ron loved sports and competition of any kind, but his heart firmly belonged to the Tennessee Vols. Few things brought him more joy than a Vols victory, whether on the football field at Neyland Stadium or on the basketball court that Pat built. In his younger years he played sports with his children and neighbor kids in the backyard, and he rarely missed an opportunity to watch his children compete, often scheduling business trips and meetings around their athletic activities.

He also loved golf, spending time with loved ones and traveling. Family vacations to Panama City Beach became treasured traditions, as did trips to major sporting events, mission trips to three Latin American countries, and adventures taken with his children. One especially meaningful trip occurred in 2015, when Ron returned to Vietnam with his daughter-exactly fifty years after serving there during the war. He also enjoyed simple pleasures: home-cooked meals, a nice drive, watching his shows and Fox News with his wife, oldie music, monthly CHS alum breakfasts and sharing stories from the many places life had taken him. Easy conversations around a table, by the pool, or in the stands at a sporting event brought him joy.

Above all, Ron was devoted to his family. He was an incredible father- "Pops"-to his three children and an equally devoted grandfather- or "Papa"-to his seven grandchildren. He took great satisfaction in encouraging their dreams and supporting their pursuits. He was particularly proud of being able to provide his grandchildren with college educations. His love for the grands was limitless.

His greatest partnership in life was with his beloved wife, Jill. Their nearly 59 years of marriage reflected a life built on deep love, commitment, and a mutual devotion. In Ron's final months, even as illness took its toll, his family often saw him quietly smile at Jill with the same admiration he had shown throughout their marriage. Her tireless care, love and sacrifice allowed Ron to fulfill his final wish-to return home and spend his final days surrounded by family. She led a masterclass in devotion especially in those final weeks at home.

Ron is survived by his wife, Jill Spain Pinkleton of Nashville; his children, William "Jeff" Pinkleton (Kara) of Springfield, Ohio; Kellye Pinkleton (Lori Denzer) of Yellow Springs, Ohio; and Mary Elizabeth "Betsy" Dakin (Mike) of Nashville, Tennessee; and his grandchildren, Wilson, Andrew, and Molly Dakin, and Jaden (Monique), Ethan, Alex, and Leah Pinkleton. He is also survived by his cousin, Mary Ann Petrino.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Ernestine Pinkleton, and his mother, Ruby Marshall.

Ron's life was one of quiet strength, generosity, and steadfast faith. He was the kind of friend people hoped to have, the neighbor everyone appreciated, and the steady presence who showed up when others needed help. He believed deeply in service-to his family, his community, his faith, and his country-and he lived those values every day. He was a truly good man. Good to his core.

Shortly before his passing, while participating in the VA's "My Life, My Story" project, Ron reflected on the life he had lived. After sharing memories of family, service, and the many people who shaped his journey, he simply said, "I've had a great life." Looking at Jill, he added with quiet satisfaction, "We ain't done bad."

Those words capture Ron perfectly-grateful, humble, and content with a life well lived.

The family would like to express gratitude to the incredible team of nurses, doctors and staff at the Nashville VA Medical Center and Alive Hospice that went through this journey with his family and cared for him as family.

MEMORIAL SERVICE INFORMATION
Visitation will be on Monday, March 16, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon, Woodbine Funeral Home, Hickory Chapel, 5852 Nolensville Road,. Nashville, TN 37211

Funerall Service will be on: Monday, March 16, 2026, at 12:00 noon, Woodbine Funeral Home, Hickory Chapel 5852 Nolensville Road, Nashville

Officiant: Jeff Pinkleton, Kellye Pinkleton and Mary "Betsy" Dakin

Entombment Woodlawn Cross Mausoleum, 660 Thompson Lane, Nashville, TN 37204 (North Cross Mausoleum, First Floor)

In Lieu of Flowers:

Please consider a donation to the organization Ron and his wife have supported for years

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org/donate

or

The Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Fund https://www.vvmf.org/?form=donate

Please sign Online Guestbook