Ronnie M. Willis

Ronnie M. Willis, a lifelong resident of Loudon County, passed away on December 20, 2025. He was born on December 22, 1946. Ronnie dedicated his life to serving his community, leaving behind a legacy defined by leadership, faith, and an unwavering commitment to public service, particularly through a long and distinguished career in emergency medical services.

Ronnie resided in Loudon County with his wife of 57 years. Together, they were the proud parents of two sons and loving grandparents to five grandchildren.

He received his GED from Loudon High School in 1968 and began his career in healthcare and emergency services at an early age. From 1962 to 1971, Ronnie worked as a nursing assistant, emergency room medical technician, and later as a male nursing assistant supervisor. In 1972, he became a licensed Emergency Medical Technician, marking the beginning of a 46-year career in the health and emergency medical services field.

Ronnie furthered his education by graduating from the State Technical Institute in Knoxville in 1979, earning his licensure as a paramedic. In 1985, he was appointed Director of Emergency Medical Services at Loudon County Memorial Hospital / Fort Sanders Loudon Hospital Emergency Medical Service, a position he held for 12 years.

In 1997, Ronnie transitioned to the role of Safety Manager for the Rural/Metro EMS and Fire Division in Knoxville, Tennessee. The following year, he was appointed Interim EMS Manager for Knox County. In August of 1999, he transferred to Rural/Metro’s Alcoa Plant Protection Operations, where he served as a Paramedic Field Captain and Administrative Captain for 12 years. He returned to the Rural/Metro Loudon Ambulance Service in October of 2008 and continued serving his community until his retirement on February 28, 2009.

Beyond his professional career, Ronnie was deeply involved in community leadership and service. He served as Chairman of the Loudon County Health Council, Chairman of the East Tennessee Community Health Agency, Chairman of the Loudon County E-911 Board, President of the Loudon County EMT Association, and President of the Tennessee Paramedic Society. He also served on Fort Sanders Loudon Medical Center’s Safety and CCU Committees.

Faith was an important part of Ronnie’s life. He served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher at Valley View Free Will Baptist Church in Loudon and as an elder and substitute Sunday School teacher at New Hope Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Madisonville.

In recognition of his dedication to public service, Ronnie was selected as an honored member of Oxford’s Who’s Who of Public Service for 1992–1993.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy A. Willis; daughter-in-law, Sheila Willis; granddaughter, Lacy Carter; his parents, John and Rose Willis; and his brothers and sisters.

He is survived by his sons, Jimmy Willis (Heather Willis) and Jason Willis; grandchildren, Kaylynn Willis, Garrett Willis, Marissa Momolu, and Cody Reed; great-grandchildren, Mikayla, Nevaeh, Dayton, Aniya, Famata, and Kamara Momolu; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to assist with funeral expenses.

The family will receive friends on Friday, December 26, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Loudon Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 7:00 p.m., with Rev. Daniel Fortman and Rev. Thomas Campbell officiating. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Loudon County Memorial Gardens.