Mr. Ronald Harper Sykes, better known as Ronnie, age 79, of Lafayette, TN, passed away Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Tri-Star Centennial Hospital in Nashville. Ronnie will be celebrated on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at Alexander Funeral Home. Time will be announced closer to service date.
Family requests that donations be made to Ronnie’s daughter’s charity, Road Trip Home Animal Rescue in Acworth, GA., https://www.roadtriphome.org/
Ronnie was born on June 22, 1947, to the late Glyn Dowell Sykes and Ethel Harper Sykes Hayes in Lebanon, TN. He was also preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, William Arthur Sykes and Flossie Frazier Sykes; maternal grandparents, Charles Walter Harper and Livy Green Betty Harper; brother, Shannon Sykes and Kay; and nephew, Glenn Sykes, both of Humble, TX.
Ronnie Sykes is survived by; Daughters, Melissa Ann Delaney and Jay of Tullahoma, TN, and Rhonda Carol Sykes and Doug of Powder Springs, GA; Grandchildren, Kelsey Delaney and Aaron of Nashville, TN, and Dr. John Delaney V and Dr. Melissa Rose of Lexington, KY; Brother, Larry Sykes of Temperance Hall, TN; Niece, Glenda Johnson and Steve of Temperance Hall, TN; Nephews, David Sykes and Ganel of Humble, TX, Doug Sykes of Humble, TX, and Scott Sykes of Smithville, TN. Many great nieces and nephews, caregivers, Christine Donohoe and Jordan Price, along with his family at Christine’s Kitchen also survive.
Ronnie was a man of faith and followed his faith in giving to others. He belonged to the Gordonsville United Methodist Church and served as Sunday School Superintendent for many years. Ronnie had many careers over the years, beginning with a teaching career in Smith County, TN, holding positions including school principal, agriculture teacher, and auto mechanics instructor. He then became a truck driver for several years, hauling goods all over the United States. Ronnie loved the freedom of the road. His final career was a restaurant owner of Christine’s Kitchen in Lafayette, TN.
