Ronald Eugene Early, age 75, of Bluff City, TN passed away on Monday, January 25, 2010 at James H. Quillen VA Medical Center in Johnson City, TN.

Ron was a loving husband and father who was known for his love of animals, his mechanical abilities and was always willing to lend others a helping hand. This helpful spirit was especially evident during his employment at Opportunities Unlimited.

He was preceded in death by his parents Pauline Fleenor and Eugene Early; one sister and one grandchild.

He was of the Christian faith.

Survivors include wife, Loretta Booher Early; one daughter, Patty Early McFadden of Johnson City, TN; three sons, David Early and wife, Dana of Clinton, TN; Mike Early and wife, Gretchen of Savannah, GA and Ronald Early and wife, Edith of Washington, DC; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and one niece.

Those desiring may make memorials to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

The funeral service will be held at 1:30 P.M., Friday, January 29, 2010 in Akard Funeral Home Chapel with Tim Hall officiating. Burial will follow in Glenwood Cemetery with Military Rites conducted by the Bristol VFW Honor Guard. Pallbearers will be David Early, Ronald Early, Mike Early, Patrick Early, Michael Early and Colleen Early. The family will receive friends from 12:30 – 1:30 Friday prior to the service at Akard Funeral Home.

Email condolences may be sent to the family at akardfh@akardfuneralhome.com