Ronald Earl Pavey, Sr., 86, of Princeton, passed away on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Baptist Health Hospital of Paducah.
He was born on July 30, 1939, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to his late parents, Raymond Earl Pavey and Lena Bernice Jarrett McGregor. Ronald was raised in Princeton, Kentucky, before moving to Indiana, where he met the love of his life, Maggie Melinda Welch Pavey. The two shared 65 years of marriage and a life shaped by hard work and family. A dedicated truck driver, Ronald’s work took him from Indiana to Mississippi, California, Arkansas, and back to Mississippi before he ultimately returned home to Princeton in the 1970s, where he settled down for good.
After returning to Princeton, Ronald worked for Grinell, later for Ford Motor Tractors, and eventually retired from working with Jeff Watson. He proudly served for many years as a Boy Scouts leader and was an active member of the Eagles in Princeton. A family-oriented man and beloved father, Ronald enjoyed woodworking, building things with his hands, and fishing.
In addition to his wife, Ronald is survived by his three daughters, Pam Gray, Lena (James) Blanton, Kristi Pavey; son, Ronald Pavey, Jr., all of Princeton; two sisters, Carolyn Martin of Dawson Springs, Penny Fralick of Princeton; brother, Robert McGregor of Princeton; seven grandchildren, Amanda Childs, Amy (David) Coleman, James (Merita) Blanton, Amber (Ryan) Kurz, Veronica (Brandon) Fredrick, Sara Pavey, Joshua Pavey; fifteen great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his three siblings, Barbara Green, Rosalee Felker, and Lena Ritter; five brothers, Archie, Johnny, Jackie, William, and Charles McGregor.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at Morgan’s Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery in Princeton, Kentucky.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 2, 2026, at Morgan’s Funeral Home.
