James Ronald Worthington, 81, of Rocky Top

James Ronald Worthington, 81, of Rocky Top (recognized by Ron as the formerly named Lake City), TN, passed away on January 3, 2026. Ron was born on November 13, 1944, in Lake City, TN, son of the late Carrie Sexton Worthington.

After serving many years in the United States Army and defending our country in Vietnam, Ron returned to Lake City, where he met his wife of 47 years, Regina. They were married in 1978, and remained in Lake City to raise their son Travis. Ron retired from the Tennessee Department of Correction after nearly 30 years, with his last position as the Warden of Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary, which closed in 2009. Since his retirement, Ron has enjoyed driving purchased vehicles to their owners for Fox Toyota in Clinton, TN. Ron was also an avid member of the Knoxville Scottish Rite Temple and in 2023 he was selected by the Scottish Rite Supreme Council in Washington, DC, to receive the 33-degree. He was the co-chairman of the Knoxville Scottish Rite shoe program that provides and fits shoes for children in need. Additionally, he was a member of the Coal Creek Masonic Lodge #492. Ron has had a letter of membership at Clear Branch Baptist Church for many years.

Ron was a loyal fan of the Tennessee Volunteers. He loved sports and one of the joys of his life was coaching his son Travis for many years. He also enjoyed reading, yard work, attending sporting events with Travis, and his wife Regina’s delicious home-cooked meals.

In addition to his mother, Ron was preceded in death by brother, Don Worthington, and brother-in-law, Al Stiles.

Those left to hold memories of Ron close are his wife Regina, son Travis and wife Sydney, sister Dorothy Stiles, brother Harold Worthington, brother-in-law Orgel Lay and wife Carolyn, brother-in-law Eldon Lay and wife Barbara, and several nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Parkwest Medical Center, especially those who cared compassionately for Ron in the Intensive Care Unit.

The family will receive friends at the Leach Family Funeral Home and Cremation on Friday, January 9, 2026 from 5-7pm with the funeral service to follow at 7pm with Rev. JJ Patterson and Pastor Wayne Phillips officiating. Graveside service will be on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 3pm at Oak Ridge Memorial Park. www.leachfamilyfuneralhome.com