Ronald "Donkey" William Nolen

Ronald "Donkey" William Nolen

July 6, 1948 to March 22, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Ronald William Nolen, who many knew as “Donkey.” Ronald left us peacefully on March 22, 2025, at the age of 76. He was born on July 6, 1948, in his childhood home located in the hills of Erin, TN, to the late George and Nellie Nolen. He lived a life filled with love for God and his family, joy for the roar of motorcycle and hot rod engines, and a passion for helping others in both large and small gestures.

A 1966 graduate of Houston County High School, Ronald attended classes at Austin Peay State University before focusing on a career in maintenance. Between TVA, Union Carbide, Standard Gypsum, and the Houston County school system, he dedicated many years to keeping the lights on for those around him.

Ronald’s love for the thrill of hot rods and motorcycles was legendary. He was known for his success on the dirt tracks of Clarksville, TN where he drove Number 14 on most weekends. As he grew older, he left the track behind but always kept his love for the power of machines as he tinkered and tuned his ’66 Chevelle to be one of the fastest cars in the area. Even in his last few years, he was grinning from ear to ear at the torque and acceleration of electric vehicles in the streets of Boston.

Ronald was dedicated to the Lord, his family, and the community. Between eight years as a Houston County Commissioner where he was instrumental in the building of the new high school and his many years as a member of the Griffin’s Chapel Church of the Nazarene, he was always supporting others. His family was his pride and joy with many hours spent on the sidelines of softball games, tennis matches, and beauty pageants to support his daughter and son. He brought his woodworking and maintenance skills to his wife’s beauty shop to give her a space to do good hair. Even in his final days, he was asking what he could do to help everyone around him. His selflessness knew no bounds.

Ronald was preceded in death by his son, Casey Nolen; his beloved parents, George and Nellie Nolen; and his brother-in-law Sam Kerr. He is survived by his wife, Gwen Nolen; his son, Jason H. Nolen-Doerr; son-in-law, Dr. Eric Nolen-Doerr; his daughter, Shannel Nolen Cantavespre; son-in-law Sammy Cantavespre; his granddaughter, Rosalie Cantavespre; and his sister, Nelda Nolen Kerr.

Ronald’s impact on the world around him will be missed but will live on in the lives that he touched along his journey. To honor and celebrate his life, take a moment to consider others and how you can help make their lives easier. He lived with the mindset that every little bit helps and would want us all to be helping. If you’re really wanting to remember him, find a straightaway, take your foot off the brake, and push the accelerator down with a grin across your face.

Celebration of Life will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday March 29, 2025 in the annex of the Griffin’s Chapel Church of the Nazarene.

The Family will receive friends from 1:30 p.m. until the time of the service at the church.

Flowers for the family and service may be coordinated through Accents Florist at 931-289-4580. Condolences may be made online at Navefuneralhomes.com.