James Ronald Worthington
James Ronald Worthington, 81, of Rocky Top (recognized by Ron as the formerly named Lake City), passed away Jan. 3, 2026.
He was born Nov. 13, 1944, in Lake City to Carrie Sexton Worthington.
After serving in the U.S. Army, including duty in Vietnam, Ron returned home, where he met and married his wife, Regina, in 1978. They raised their son, Travis, in Lake City. Ron worked for nearly 30 years with the Tennessee Department of Correction, retiring as warden of Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary before its closure in 2009.
In retirement, he enjoyed delivering vehicles for Fox Toyota in Clinton. He was an active member of the Knoxville Scottish Rite Temple, and in 2023 was honored with the 33rd-degree by the Scottish Rite Supreme Council in Washington, D.C. He co-chaired the Knoxville Scottish Rite shoe program for children in need and was a member of Coal Creek Masonic Lodge No. 492. He also held a letter of membership at Clear Branch Baptist Church.
Ron was a devoted 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, working in the yard, attending sporting events with his son, and his wife Regina’s home-cooked meals.
In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by a brother, Don Worthington, and a brother-in-law, Al Stiles.
Those left to hold memories of Ron close are his wife, Regina; son, Travis Worthington and wife, Sydney; sister, Dorothy Stiles; brother, Harold Worthington; brothers-in-law, Orgel Lay and wife, Carolyn, and Eldon Lay and wife, Barbara; and several nieces, nephews, 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.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, at Leach Family Funeral Home and Cremation, with a funeral to follow at 7 p.m. with the Rev. J.J. Patterson and Pastor Wayne Phillips officiating.
A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, at Oak Ridge Memorial Park.
leachfamilyfuneralhome.com.
