Ronald K. Lea, age 83 of Wilmington, passed away Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at Xenia Health & Rehab after a brief illness. Ron was born at home August 13, 1938 in Brooksville, Kentucky the son of Orland and Sylvia (Ware) Lea.

He was preceded in death by his brothers: Owen Dale Lea and Royce Lee; and a sister: Joyce Reynolds.

Ron is survived by his long-time special friend: Roberta Cope and her sons and daughters-in-law: Doug and Lisa Cope and Ken and Janet Cope; and her grandchildren: Ryan and Kenny Cope and Kristi (James) Elsman; and great grandchildren; Ron's daughter: Sherri Clark and a grandson: Reese Clark.

Ron played basketball for Bracken County High School and was a member of the 1955 State Championship team. He had been very active in 4-H as a youth, winning several state championships with swine and soil contests in the mid 1950s. He graduated from Morehead State University, Kentucky in 1962 and began his teaching career at Clinton Massie High School. He taught science at Kingman Clarksville Jr. High, where he also coached basketball. In 1969, he began teaching with the OWE/  VICA program and completed his career with Washington Court House High School in 1995. Ron was a hard worker and always had a second job. He started as a Park Ranger in 1963 with Cowan Lake State Park and also worked with the boat rentals at Stonelick State Park until 1976. He then went to Tegermeyer Trailer Co. from 1996-2000 and retired from Bronson Door Sales in 2001. All while also managing a 40 unit apartment complex in Wilmington.

Services will be held 12 Noon Wednesday, March 9 at McColaugh Funeral Home, 826 N. Detroit St., Xenia with Pastor Ron Swiger officiating. Visitation will be held 11 AM Wednesday until the time of service at the funeral home. Graveside services will be held 1 PM Thursday, March 10 ^th at Maple Grove Cemetery, Germantown, Kentucky. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.mccolaughfuneralhome.com.