James Ronald "Ronnie" Rothwell

James Ronald “Ronnie” Rothwell

Husband, Father, Builder, and Inventor

Our Ronnie, Daddy, and Papaw was reunited with his parents and sisters in heaven at 10:58 AM on Saturday, July 25, 2026, in the house his father built. Ronnie was 83 years old.

James Ronald Rothwell was born at 1:40 PM on February 4, 1943, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to James Loy Rothwell and Gladys Pearl Warren. He grew up in Red Bank, Tennessee, and was a proud member of the Red Bank High School, class of 1961. Ronnie was the baby to four older sisters: Lavada “Tootsie” Sisemore, Willene Dawkins, Treva Long, and Patsy Dobbs. The siblings remained close throughout their lives, and Ronnie was the last to leave this earth.

In June 1967, Ronnie met and fell in love with Doris Ann Young. They were engaged by August, wed in October, and were happily married for almost 59 years. Ronnie and Doris had two children, Teletha (Mike) McJunkin and Jim (Jinnifer) Rothwell; five grandchildren, Andrew (Sarah) McJunkin, Chris (Paige) McJunkin, Taylor Omedeo, Anna Smith, and Ryan (Kaleah) Smith) and four great-grandchildren (Nora Smith, Molly and Bennett McJunkin, and Liam Smith).

Ronnie was the owner and operator of Rothwell Enterprises from 1970 until his death. He and his son, Jim, designed and built beautiful homes and businesses in Chattanooga and the surrounding areas, leaving a legacy his family will cherish. He was a talented architect, artist, and creator, with three patents awarded for his inventions.

Ronnie’s work ethic and devotion to his family were unmatched, but he was perhaps best known for his endless supply of jokes and sense of humor, which he instilled in his children and grandchildren. His nieces and nephews adored him throughout his life and will cherish his memory.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents and sisters and is survived by his wife, Doris Rothwell, their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a member of North Hamilton County Church of Christ in Soddy Daisy and was a veteran of the National Guard.

Visitation will be at Hamilton Funeral Home (4506 Hixson Pike) on Tuesday, July 28 ,2026, from 5 ~ 8 PM and on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, from 12 Noon ~ 1 PM.

A Celebration of Ronnie’s Life will begin at 1 PM on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, in the funeral home chapel with Ministers David Smith and David Schonhofff officiating. Ronnie will be buried at Hamilton Memorial Gardens on Highway 153with Bill Abney, Chris McJunkin, Andrew McJunkin, Jim Rothwell, Mike McJunkin and Nick Long serving as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you donate to your favorite charity or church in honor of Ronnie.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hamilton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 4506 Hixson Pike, Hixson, TN 37343, (423) 531-3975.