Ronald Leon Spangler

Ronald Leon Spangler, “Papa Ron”, 69, a longtime resident of Cleveland, TN, fought the good fight, finished his race, and received his eternal crown on Saturday evening, October 22, 2022. He passed peacefully at his home surrounded by those he loved and cherished most.

Ron was born on October 11, 1953, to Leon and Imogene Spangler in Knoxville, TN. He was born and raised in Hall's Crossroads. His love of baseball brought him to Cleveland State Community College where he met his wife Sherry of 46 years. After Cleveland State, baseball afforded him another opportunity at Tusculum College where he received his degree in Education. Ron was a strong Christian man and a faithful member of North Cleveland Baptist Church where he served many roles, including a deacon.

As many knew him, “Mr. Spangler” or “Coach Spangler”, was a lifelong educator in Bradley County Schools. He began his BCS career at Trewhitt Junior High School. In 1988, he moved to Charleston High School where he taught math and coached football, baseball, and basketball. Ron spent the last 20 years of his career at his beloved Ocoee Middle School where he served as assistant principal and later principal. Woven seamlessly into Ron’s invaluable family life were the many friendships he treasured and the students he touched each day.

While Ron carried many names, his favorite were Dad and Papa Ron. He was a proud, devoted, and loving husband, father, and grandfather. His strong faith, family, friends, and BCS relationships were the things he cherished most. His heart was the happiest supporting his grandchildren on the sidelines of their favorite activity, cheering on the VOLS (win or lose), and working outdoors mowing and landscaping. To know him was to love him. He will forever be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and genuine heart for others.

Ron was the beloved husband to Sherry Spangler, devoted father of Brittany Cannon and her husband Wade; Dr. Jason Spangler and his wife Aubrie; Patrick Spangler and his wife Jan; loving Papa to Taylor, Carson, and Abbi Reese Cannon; Paisley, Adelyn, Grady, Hudson, and Houston Spangler. He is also survived by his mother, Imogene Spangler, and sister Karen Gould (David) both of Knoxville, TN. He was preceded in death by his father, Leon Spangler; his father and mother-in-law, Taylor, and Jean Cawood.

“Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end, they will look in triumph on their foes.” (Psalm 112:6-8) Ron Spangler was a righteous man that has fought the good fight and triumphed over his foes. Well done good and faithful servant.

Pallbearers: Wade, Taylor, Carson Cannon, Johnny Cartwright, Travis Godfrey, and Mike Wallace.

Honorary Pallbearers: Donnie Yates, Dr. Jeff Elliott, Tim Riggs, Danny Coggin, Dr. Corey Limburg, Kent Smith, Ed Coates, Denny Collins, Gary Austin, Eddie Evans.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 25th from 4:00-7:00 PM at North Cleveland Baptist Church. The funeral will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, October 26th with visitation from 1:00-2:00 PM prior to the service. Graveside Service will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to the Bradley Cleveland Public Education Foundation (https://bcpef.org) in memory of Ron Spangler where the funds will support the students of Ocoee Middle School.

You are invited to share a personal memory of Ronald or your condolences with his family at his online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home and the Cody family are honored to assist the family with these arrangements.