Ronnie Vaughan

Ronald G. Vaughan, 78, of Phelps, KY, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on June 30, 2016.  He lived his life loving and serving others, selflessly dedicating his time and energy to his beloved family and community.  

He has been the devoted husband of Edna Ratliff Vaughan for fifty-seven years and a wonderful daddy to his only daughter; Robin Fannin and father-in-law to her husband Greg Fannin.  Ronnie’s grandchildren were his pride and joy. There’s no denying that his grandbabies were the people that he loved the most. He was the Papaw of two granddaughters, Erika Brooke Dotson and her husband Ryan and Chelsea Morgan Fannin and her boyfriend Zack Avina.  His great grandbabies were his world: “Papaw’s Little Man” Kenton Ryan Dotson and “Papaw’s Little Lady” Kennadi Rylan Dotson.  He was also loved by a twin brother, Donald A. Vaughan and his wife Juanita, sister Karen (Al) Plank and brothers Glen (Judy) Allison, Ernie (Murlena) Allison and the late Clay Allison. He was a proud brother-in-law to Edith Sturgeon, Phyllis Cook, Herstel Ratliff, Anna Rhea Ray and the late Eugene and Bobby Ratliff. He cherished his family including the many nieces and nephews who were dear to their Uncle Ronnie.  He shared a special bond with his “boys” Timmy, Steven, Joey and the late Kevin Maynard.

Ronnie’s story began on December 13, 1937. He was the son of the late John Alfred and Gwendolyn Goble Vaughan and the biological son of the late Hurchell (Ethel) Allison. Ronnie grew up in Majestic, KY and went on to graduate from Phelps High School.  He spent time as a Boy Scout leader, a school teacher, and a coalfield league baseball player.  He worked many years in the coal industry where he retired from Chisholm Coal Company.  Ronnie has served the community he loved in different roles.  He was a certified EMT and touched the lives of many by working for years with the ambulance service. Ronnie was a founding member of the Phelps Volunteer Fire Department in 1960.  He was passionate about saving lives and spent countless hours training, educating and protecting others.  Vaughan, Unit 802, performed the duties of chief for twelve of the 55 years he had been a member of the department. His legacy will continue in the hearts of the brotherhood of the P.V.F.D. and in the community that he helped to keep safe. He was a mentor to his firemen and close friend to his assistant chief Ballard Wolford.  Ronnie also loved his Pastor Opie Harris and the Church of God in Jesus Name.

Service to honor his life will be held on Sunday, July 3 at 1:00 in the afternoon at the Church of God in Jesus Name in Phelps, KY.  Visitation at the church will be held on Saturday, July 2 beginning at 6:00 p.m. with special services at 7:00 p.m.   Ministers Opie Harris, David Norman and Dennie Land will be conducting services.   Ronnie’s final resting place will be the Charles Cemetery, behind his church and overlooking the community he served.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Phelps Volunteer Fire Department.

Arrangements are under the care of the Jones & West Funeral Home, Phelps, KY.  The guestbook may be signed at www.joneswestfh.com.   

 Service Information