Ronnie Lee Poling

Ronnie (Ron) Poling, 81, of Knoxville, Tennessee, went to his heavenly home to be with Jesus on Thursday, May 29, 2025. Born on May 14, 1944, in Akron, Ohio, to Thomas and Mae Poling, Ronnie lived a life marked by faith, service, and an unwavering love for his family.

A man of service & patriotism, Ron proudly served in the Air Force and was honorably discharged. He was a proud graduate in the founding class of Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, Florida where he received his Bachelor of Arts, and went on to receive his Master of Divinity at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. In his early career he had the distinct privilege of contributing to the historic Apollo Space Program at NASA, Cape Kennedy, Florida. Ron’s deep passion for Jesus led him into the seminary, after which he dedicated many years to ministry serving as a church pastor in Miami, Florida and later in Knoxville, Tennessee. Arguably, Ron’s greatest accomplishments were the many souls he led to the Lord through his ministry & counseling, including that of all his children & lifelong best friend, Denny Shanafelt from Akron, Ohio. Later in Ron’s career he proudly served as a Tennessee state parole officer in Blount & Anderson Counties, where he continued to impact lives with compassion and integrity, and from which he retired at age 69 in 2009.

A faithful member of Beaver Dam Baptist Church in Knoxville, Tennessee, Ron taught men’s Bible study for many years, inspiring others with his wisdom, warmth, and humor. His infectious sense of humor and deep love for his family were hallmarks of his character, bringing joy to those around him. Through the years Ron coached a number of youth basketball and soccer teams, forging many fond memories and instilling strong moral values in not only his own children’s lives, but many other kids in the community as well.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Mae Poling; one brother, Larry Poling and wife, Nancy; mother-in-law Ethel Davis, father-in-law Monte Davis, and brother-in-law Larry Davis.

Ron leaves behind his beloved wife of 57 years, Linda Gail (Davis) Poling, whom he married on December 28, 1968. He is also survived by his three children: Brent Colby Poling, Misti Dawn (Poling) Burke with husband Kelly Burke, and Tiffany Faith Poling; one cherished grandson, Quinn Edward Burke; one brother, Gary Neil Poling & wife Sandy; two sisters-in-law: Deborah (Debi) Minton & husband Larry, and Cheryl Jones; and numerous special nieces and nephews.

Ron's life was a testament to his faith and his love for his family. His laughter and legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at Beaver Dam Baptist Church (Halls) in Knoxville, Tennessee, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, followed by a memorial service at noon, with Rev. Jim Robinson officiating. Procession to the cemetery will follow with a full military graveside service at East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery-John Sevier Hwy at 2:00 pm. The veteran's honor guard will conduct the ceremony, including gun salute, the playing of Taps, and presentation of honorary flag to the family.

Pallbearers will be family and friends.

Mynatt Funeral Home in Halls is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Beaver Dam Baptist Church in memory of Ronnie’s faithful service.