Dr. Norman Wayne Rone

McMinnville resident and Warren County native Dr. Norman W. Rone, age 89, was born December 10, 1935 in Lewisburg, TN and died May 12, 2025 at his home, peacefully and surrounded by loved ones, after a valiant battle with cancer.

A longtime optometrist and civic leader, Dr. Rone was the son of the late Altus Reed “Jimmy” Rone and Grace Watson Rone. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, David Neil Rone.

Dr. Rone was a graduate of McMinnville Central High School and completed his pre-medical training at the University of Tennessee and Middle Tennessee State University. He earned his Doctor of Optometry degree from Southern College of Optometry in 1964 and later pursued postgraduate studies in Clinical Psychology at MTSU. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1955 to 1959, followed by four years in the Active Reserves and six years in the Tennessee National Guard, retiring at the rank of Major.

A licensed optometrist in Tennessee since 1964, Dr. Rone practiced for 55 years before retiring in 2019. He was a member of the Tennessee Optometric Association, Tennessee Academy of Optometry and the American Optometric Association. In 1997, he co-founded WCPI-FM 91.3 Public Radio in McMinnville and Warren County.

He was deeply involved in the McMinnville community, serving as president of the McMinnville Lions Club, McMinnville Rotary Club and Warren County Chamber of Commerce. He was a past District Commissioner for the Boy Scouts and a lifelong member of the Silver and Gold Band. Dr. Rone was elected Mayor of McMinnville in 1989, serving four consecutive terms for a total of 16 years and received a Certificate of Merit from the city in 2021. He also served on the Warren County Industrial Board, the 911 Emergency Communications Board, the McMinnville-Warren County Industrial Development Board and the Zoning and Planning Commission.

Dr. Rone is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Rone of McMinnville; two daughters, Katherine Rone and Emily (Don) Simmons both of McMinnville; three grandchildren, Adam, Jeff and Brett Simmons; brother-in-law, Dr. John T. (Linda) Mason of Cookeville, TN and numerous cousins and extended family members.

Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, May 15, 2025 in High’s Chapel with Harry Green officiating. Burial will follow at Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Warren County. The family will receive visitors Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at High’s.

Full military honors will be administered by American Legion Post 173 and VFW Post 5064.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Gentiva Hospice for their compassionate care and support.

Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com.

High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.