Jasper Ronald Motes, (Ronnie) died on April 27, 2016 at home in Cherokee, AL age 71, from an extended illness. Ronnie was born in Shelby County, AL on August 29, 1944. He attended Rockwood and Phil Campbell schools. He served in the Navy for 3 years as an aviation mechanic and later as a fireman for the Muscle Shoals Fire Dept. for 36 years. He was named Firefighter of the Year in 1974 and 1986. In 1978 he taught the first fire recruit school in North Alabama. He served as Assistant Fire Chief for ten years and retired in 2006. He enjoyed family, friends, fishing, and riding his Harley.
Ronnie is survived by his wife, Barbara Putt Motes; daughter, Paige Motes and her mother Patricia Hulsey Hyman; three sisters, Peggy Gilley, Carolyn Watson, and Vivian McGuffin; stepmother, Evelyn Motes; as-well-as host of nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Fortenberry; father, Jasper Motes; step-father, Aubrey Fortenberry; sons, Jay Motes, and Jonathan Hamm whose mother Felicia Tidwell resides in Muscle Shoals; two sisters, Donna Overton and Kathy Whitley; and one brother, Steven Motes.
Ronnie was an active member of Harris Chapel Baptist Church. The family would like to thank Pastor Chuck Bradford, Gary Cosby, the Cooking Angels and all the church family who ministered and visited during this difficult time.
Special thanks: Dr. Brad McAnalley, Dr. Lauren McCoy, Hospice of North Alabama and especially Sandy, Candace, Helen, Michelle, Carol, Chaplain Mark McCullar, and volunteer Brenda Burcham.
Visitation 1-3:00 and service 3:00, April 30, at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Alzheimer’s/Dementia research or Harris Chapel Baptist Church Cooking Angels, Cherokee, AL.
