Loretto Legacy MondayOctober 12, 2026

Loretto Legacy Monday: Ronnie McMasters — A Lifetime of Service, A Lasting Legacy

By We Are Loretto

Some people leave their mark on a community through the positions they hold or the accomplishments they achieve. Others are remembered for their kindness, generosity, and the way they treat those around them. Ronald Jackson “Ronnie” McMasters did both. From his years at Green's Furniture to his 18 years as mayor of Loretto, Ronnie devoted much of his life to serving the town he proudly called home.

Born September 21, 1942, to D.T. and Alberta McMasters, Ronnie grew up in Lawrence County, where his early years included farming. After graduating from Florence State College in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, he returned home to become manager of Green's Furniture Store, beginning a career that would make him a familiar face to generations of local customers.

For Ronnie, the furniture business was about more than making a sale. It was about relationships, trust, and taking care of people. Customers remembered his friendly personality, wonderful sense of humor, and genuine interest in those who walked through the doors. He never met a stranger and had a way of making everyone feel welcome.

His daughter Lori later shared a memory that perfectly illustrated her father's character. She recalled the many Sundays and late nights when Ronnie would return to the store because someone's refrigerator or another essential appliance had stopped working. Rather than make them wait until the next business day, he would unlock the doors and make sure they had what they needed. Helping someone was never an inconvenience to Ronnie. It was simply the right thing to do.

That same willingness to serve extended throughout Loretto. In 1992, Ronnie began an 18-year tenure as mayor, serving until 2010. During those years, the city experienced significant improvements and growth that continue to benefit residents today.

His administration helped advance numerous projects, including a new sports complex, water plant, water tank, fire hall, and police station. The city expanded its water infrastructure, installed a new sewer system, and improved local streets. Ronnie also worked with county and state officials to encourage industrial development, expand Loretto's industrial park, and support local job creation. He advocated for Highway 43 to be widened to four lanes and paved through Loretto.

Following his passing, those who served alongside Ronnie reflected on his leadership and lasting contributions. Lawrence County Commissioner Chris Jackson credited his vision and determination with helping make many of Loretto's improvements possible. His years in office were remembered as a time of progress and a commitment to the community's future.

Ronnie's influence extended beyond the projects completed during his administration. He was also a mentor to others who wanted to serve. Former Loretto Mayor Jesse Turner recalled how Ronnie encouraged him to become involved in city government and supported his decision to run for mayor. Even after leaving City Hall, Ronnie remained someone Jesse could turn to for advice and guidance. His experience was valuable, but his willingness to share it made an equally lasting impression.

His dedication to civic service reached into many other areas. Ronnie was a member of the Loretto Lions Club for an extraordinary 51 years and served on the Lawrence County Election Commission, industrial boards, and boards of directors of local banks. In 2013, he was honored as Loretto's Burgermeister, another recognition of his involvement in the community.

Despite his many responsibilities, Ronnie enjoyed life's simpler pleasures. Having grown up farming, he maintained a love for his farm throughout his life. He enjoyed local sports and was an enthusiastic supporter of the Tennessee Volunteers and Tennessee Titans. Friends remembered his seemingly endless sense of humor, outgoing personality, and ability to make people feel comfortable. Whether discussing city business, talking sports, or visiting with customers, Ronnie genuinely enjoyed being around people.

At the center of his life was his family. Ronnie and his wife, Brenda Green McMasters, shared 54 years of marriage and raised four children: Terri, Steve, Mark, and Lori. Their family grew to include seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren by the time of his passing. Ronnie's devotion to his loved ones was evident not only in the time they spent together but also in the example he set.

Lori often reflected on her father's remarkable work ethic and the influence he had on his children. She spoke with pride about her brothers, Steve and Mark, who carried forward his dedication and willingness to help others. For the McMasters family, working together was more than a business arrangement. It was an opportunity to continue the traditions of service and generosity their parents had instilled in them.

That influence remained strong after Ronnie's passing. As the family prepared to open McMasters Home Gallery, Lori recalled how decisions both large and small often led to the same question: What would Dad want? She and Brenda could easily imagine Ronnie being there every day, working, helping wherever needed, or simply supervising. It reflected just how deeply his guidance remained part of their lives.

His example of public service also continued through the next generation. Years after Ronnie's tenure as mayor, his son Steve McMasters was elected to lead the same city his father had served for nearly two decades. Those who knew both men recognized their shared commitment to helping others. For the family, Steve's election represented a meaningful continuation of a legacy rooted in love for Loretto.

Ronnie was also a devoted member of Loretto United Methodist Church, and his faith was reflected in the compassion and generosity others remembered. Even as he faced a lengthy battle with Parkinson's disease, he demonstrated courage and dignity.

Ronnie passed away on June 13, 2016, at the age of 73. His death brought an outpouring of memories from friends, customers, and community members who remembered him as a genuinely good man. Some spoke of his friendship and encouragement, while others recalled his kindness to their families at Green's Furniture. Again and again, the same qualities appeared in their reflections: generosity, loyalty, humor, and a servant's heart.

The love Ronnie shared with Brenda remained a treasured part of the family's memories. Following Brenda's own passing, Lori shared a touching thought, finding comfort in imagining her parents reunited and dancing together to Tennessee Whiskey. It was a beautiful reflection of their bond and the love their family continues to carry for them.

Today, Ronnie McMasters' legacy can be found throughout Loretto. It lives in the improvements made during his years as mayor, the relationships he built through decades of business and civic service, and the family members who continue following his example. But perhaps his greatest legacy is found in the smaller moments people have never forgotten: an encouraging conversation, a helping hand, or an open store door after hours.

Ronnie understood that a community is built not only through roads, buildings, and public improvements, but through the people who care enough to serve one another.

For 18 years, he served Loretto as its mayor. For a lifetime, he served it as a neighbor, friend, businessman, and community leader. Through the family he loved, the friendships he formed, and the lives he touched, Ronald Jackson “Ronnie” McMasters left a legacy that continues to be felt in the town he called home.

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Do you know someone whose life and legacy deserve to be remembered? Help us continue honoring the people who have made Loretto a better place by submitting a nomination for a future Loretto Legacy Monday feature.
Nominate someone here: https://weareloretto.com/loretto-legacy/submit.php

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