Ronald Lee Sumner's Obituary
“Holy bat$hit!”
Anyone who ever heard Dad shout his favorite line knew that something—or someone—had just won his full attention. That spark summed up the way Big Ronnie moved through life, always ready to jump in with both feet and both hands.
Ronnie was born in Dayton, Ohio on February 16th, 1947, and left us in Nashville, Tennessee on October 29th, 2025, in his home on Wednesday. His parents were Joseph "Joe" Benton Sumner and Mary Kate Eads. A wonderful husband to Betty Ann Sumner for 55yrs, father, and grandfather, he filled 78 years with steady love and plenty of laughter. He proudly served as a medic in the US Army.
Work was his playground. A proud member of Local 572 Plumbers and Pipefitters, Ronnie was a welder through and through, a self-described workaholic who lived for a clean bead and a finished job done right.
Home life had its own shine, especially on Saturdays when he washed and waxed his 1994 Chevy Silverado until it gleamed. He kept the yard trimmed just so, cooked up big meals, and never let Thanksgiving pass without a homemade pumpkin pie. He loved sitting on the porch just talking to anyone that would listen. Wolfy, his half Siberian Husky and wolf mix, stayed close by, while his coin and comic book collections rested safely inside. Big Ronnie had a special way with his Maine Coon, Munchie.
Those of us who loved him will remember his loyal, humble, compassionate, hardworking, and intelligent spirit. Even now, we picture him wiping down that truck or planning the next family feast, content in the simple joy of doing things well.
We miss you, Big Ronnie, and we carry your favorite shout in our hearts. Until we meet again, “Holy bat$hit!”—that one’s for you.
Ronnie is preceded in death by his father and mother, brother, John Micheal Sumner, Sister Barbara Jo Sumner and a grandchild. Stepchild David Hiester.
Ronnie is survived by brothers Joseph Benton Sumner 2nd and Harvey Louis Sumner. Son Ronald Lee Sumner Jr, And Several Stepchildren. Barbara Brown, Betty Diana and husband Robert Ferguson, Twins Jerry and wife Lisa Perry, Terry Perry, Mike Hiester wife Terri, Kathy husband Chris Hile, Tammy Hiester, who also served as his devoted caregiver, Debbie and husband Scott Hale, lots of grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Arrangements entrusted to Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5110 Gallatin Pike, Nashville, TN 37216, 615-865-1101, https://www.springhillfh.com.
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