Ronald Bryan Merville

Ronald Bryan Merville, Jr., P.E., of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away on July 14, 2026, at the age of 77, just days after celebrating his birthday on July 11. A respected engineer, entrepreneur, athlete, mentor, and devoted family man, Ron leaves a lasting legacy of service to his community and to the people whose lives he touched through his work, leadership, and friendship.

A native Nashvillian, Ron was born to Ronald Bryan Merville, Sr. and Bobbye Ruth Merville, who preceded him in death. From an early age, he distinguished himself both academically and athletically. He graduated from Isaac Litton High School in 1967, where he lettered in football, basketball, baseball, and track. As quarterback, he led the football team to a Clinic Bowl appearance in 1966. His athletic achievements earned him recruitment by Vanderbilt University to play quarterback, and he also competed on Vanderbilt's freshman basketball team.

Ron later earned his undergraduate degree from Middle Tennessee State University, where he served as Student Body President. He later earned a master's degree in engineering from Vanderbilt University, laying the foundation for an extraordinary career that would span five decades.

His love for Vanderbilt extended well beyond the classroom. As a young man, Ron often accompanied his father, Ronald Bryan Merville, Sr., who worked for WTVF, on filming assignments for Tennessee's Outdoorsman and Woods and Waters. He also helped film Vanderbilt athletic events, an experience that sparked a lifelong passion for Vanderbilt sports and made him one of the Commodores' most devoted fans.

A licensed Professional Engineer, Ron served for nearly fifty years as chief engineer and owner of his Nashville-based engineering firm, providing design services for more than 5,000 projects throughout Tennessee and northern Mississippi.

As consulting Public Works Engineer for Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County, he designed and deployed hundreds of infrastructure projects that shaped the region's growth. Later, he directed infrastructure projects for a major telecommunications company and designed telecommunications towers across Tennessee. His expertise and vision also helped pioneer renewable energy development in the state, including the design and deployment of more than thirty large-scale solar generating facilities.

In 2009, Ron founded Energy Source Partners, LLC, which became one of Tennessee's leading solar energy development and operations companies. Three years later, he established Energy Fit Solutions, Inc., a construction company specializing in solar energy systems and residential construction. Throughout his career, Ron was driven by an unwavering belief that engineering could improve lives and strengthen communities.

His commitment to public service extended far beyond his professional accomplishments. Ron served on the Metropolitan Nashville Storm Water Management Committee from 1994 to 2010 and was an active member of the Tennessee Solar Energy Industries Association. He served on the boards of the YMCA and Miriam's Promise and dedicated countless hours to organizations seeking to improve the lives of others.

Faith was a cornerstone of Ron's life. A member of Calvary United Methodist Church, he served in numerous leadership and volunteer roles over the years, generously sharing his time, talents, and expertise in support of the church's ministries and mission. Guided by a deep and abiding faith, Ron was committed to strengthening both his congregation and the broader community through service, mentorship, and thoughtful leadership.

Recognizing Nashville's growing need for affordable housing, Ron founded the Blakemore Housing Trust in the early 2000s, leading the construction of homes for families in need. Later, he was recruited to serve on the board of the Clark Memorial Methodist Church Community Development Corporation, where his expertise in construction financing, site development, and infrastructure proved instrumental in transforming church-owned property into affordable housing opportunities. He also contributed to the work of the Tennessee United Methodist Conference's New Church Committee, helping the annual conference plant new faith communities and revitalize existing churches.

Outside of engineering, Ron remained a lifelong athlete. A competitive runner, he participated in numerous national championships and devoted years of service to the running community. As president of the Nashville Striders, he organized races and events that inspired generations of runners and fostered fellowship across Middle Tennessee.

Ron embraced life with boundless curiosity and enthusiasm. He loved traveling with family and friends, exploring museums and galleries, and collecting artwork that reflected his appreciation for creativity and beauty. He delighted in the challenge of Sudoku puzzles and spent countless enjoyable hours assembling intricate jigsaw puzzles. Whether solving a difficult engineering problem or completing a puzzle, Ron found joy in learning, perseverance, and discovery.

Ron will be remembered not only for his professional achievements but also for his boundless curiosity, energetic spirit, strong faith, and remarkable ability to bring people together. He was a scholar and athlete, an entrepreneur and teacher, a leader and problem-solver. Friends and colleagues valued his wisdom, humor, generosity, and insight, while those closest to him treasured his kindness, unwavering optimism, and steadfast love.

Above all, Ron adored his wife, LaDonna, and cherished his family. He found his greatest joy in the people he loved and the life they built together.

Ron is survived by his beloved wife, LaDonna Merville; his children, Ronald Bryan Merville III and his wife, Shea, and Madeleine Merville; his grandchildren, Garrett Merville, Anna Clare (Merville) Gatlin and her husband, Will Gatlin, and Caroline Merville; his brother, Hamilton Merville and his wife, Susan; his sister, Melissa Merville and her husband, Philip Cheney; his nephews, Wesley Merville and Kyle Merville and his husband, Gary Fuller; and his niece, Katherine Cheney.

Ron's legacy lives on in the roads, bridges, cell towers, and communities he helped build, the renewable energy projects he championed, the homes he made possible, and the countless people he mentored, encouraged, and inspired. His greatest legacy, however, is the example he set: a life marked by integrity, faith, generosity, intellectual curiosity, and a steadfast commitment to making his community better for generations to come.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m., at Calvary United Methodist Church, 3701 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, Tennessee 37215.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Calvary United Methodist Church or the Clark Memorial United Methodist Church Community Development Corporation.