Ronald Eugene Whitener

Ronald Eugene Whitener, 83, of Dandridge TN, formerly of Greeneville, TN, where he was employed with TRW Ross Gear Division, passed away Friday October 24, 2014 at his home. He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Bonnie Whitener, also of Dandridge and formerly of Greeneville, TN; parents, Clayton and Bertha Whitener; and brothers, Cecil and Clayton Whitener Jr, of Glen Allen Mo. He is survived by his brother, Frank Whitener of Glen Allen, MO; daughter and son-in-law, Rhonda and Gary Kelley; and son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Ginger Whitener all of Hillsboro, MO, daughters, Patricia and Christene Whitener of Greeneville TN; one grandson, Shawn Kelley of Hillsboro, MO; and four granddaughters, Krystal Kelley and Kerri Whitener, both of Hillsboro, MO, and Tara Gregg-Maden of Knoxville (formerly of Greeneville) and Krista Dodds of Greeneville. Our father had many interests, including 10 years of service as a deputy sheriff with Jefferson County, MO sheriff’s department. He served his country with the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict as an airplane mechanic. After his service he was employed with Ramsey Corporation, a subsidiary if TRW, and he married his late wife of 61 years, Bonnie Whitener. He transferred to East Tennessee temporarily with TRW Ross Gear Division, but loved the area and people so much that he and his wife decided to stay and make it their home. His love of boats and the lake led to his dream of Smokey Mountain Leisure Rentals in Dandridge, TN after his retirement from TRW. There will not be a funeral service, but he requested a Celebration of Life service which will be held at his home in Dandridge, TN on November 1st at 1:00 pm. He also requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his name to the American Cancer Society or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.