Ronnie Lee Coursey, 80, passed away on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at the Calvert City Convalescent Center in Calvert City, KY. Ronnie was born on March 14, 1946, in Paducah, KY, to the late Fulton and Geneva Reynolds Coursey.
Ronnie was a man who took great pride in the work he did and the life he built. He was a former machinist at Illinois Central Gulf Railroad and also worked for James Marine, Inc. and Murtco in Paducah. Faith was an important part of Ronnie’s life, and he was a Baptist.
Ronnie had a lifelong love of car racing and building cars. In his youth, he attended every race he could, especially at Paducah International Raceway, where the track's excitement and the sound of the engines became part of the memories he cherished most. That passion never left him. As the years went by, he continued to enjoy the world of racing and turned that enthusiasm into a remarkable talent for building hotrods and custom cars.
He especially enjoyed building his 1923 Bucket-T, 1932, and 1934 Fords, along with Ford Fairlanes, Ford Falcons, Mercury Comets, and many more. Ronnie had a gift for bringing old vehicles back to life and making them his own. His work reflected both skill and imagination, and he took great satisfaction in every project he completed. One of his favorite vehicles was his 1953 Ford Truck, which many will remember seeing him driving around with a big cigar in his mouth, a sight that perfectly captured his personality and style.
Ronnie is survived by his wife of 55 years, Tomoko “Tomi” Shaw Coursey; his two sons. Jason Coursey and Justin (Becca Joyce) Coursey, both of Paducah; his three grandchildren, Jaycie Coursey, Chloe Coursey and Jaxon Coursey; a brother, Lewis (Sonja) Coursey of Paducah; a sister, Delores Via of Paducah and several nieces and nephews.
Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents and a nephew, Brad Jackson.
A memorial visitation will be on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from 5:00-8:00 PM at the Milner & Orr Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Paducah.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
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