Rickey Donail Pasley's Obituary
Rickey Pasley, 71, of Chattanooga, departed this earthly life on Friday, February 20, 2026, at his residence. He was born on November 16, 1954, to Donald Lee and Armelia Jane Pasley. Rickey grew up in Chattanooga and graduated from Tyner High School in 1972. Shortly after graduation, he answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army, where he was stationed at Fort Knox. Upon returning to civilian life, he furthered his education at Chattanooga State Community College, specializing in welding.
Rickey was a member of the East Third Street Church of Christ. He found great joy in the traditional hymns of the church, with "Salvation Has Been Brought Down" and "Mansion Robe and Crown" being among his favorites. Outside of the sanctuary, Rickey could often be found enthusiastically—and loudly—cheering for his favorite NFL team, the Dallas Cowboys.
Beyond the hymns, Rickey’s signature song was the classic “Lean on Me.” To hear him sing it was a true experience; he performed it with such genuine feeling and warmth that it made everyone in the room want to be his friend. His voice was a reflection of his spirit—supportive, soulful, and always there for those he loved.
Rickey was preceded in death by his father, Donald Lee Pasley; his grandparents, Rosa Lee and Wiley Pasley, Jr., and Hurel “Jack” and Hattie Vines Gates; and his brother, Jeffrey Todd Williams.
Those Rickey leaves to cherish his memories include : special friend, Ella Z. Blair Taylor; parents, Zephyr and Armelia Williams, Jr. and step-mother, Charlene Pasley; children, Shannon Pasley and Kedrick Darby; siblings, Troy (Jacque) Williams, Donald (Shanna) Pasley, Gerald (Brandy) Pasley, Christy Pasley and step-brother, Michael Williams; special aunts, Velma Jean Strickland, Dixie Ree Ballou and Hureline Blanks; favorite nephew, Troy Williams, Jr.; former- wife, Jennifer Pasley, as well as a host of many other cherished relatives and friends who will miss his spirited presence.
Rickey will lie-in-state on Friday, March 6, 2026, from 1-5 p.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral service will be Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 12 noon in the Chapel with Bro. John R. Taylor, Sr., as the Eulogist. Burial on Monday, March 9, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. in Chattanooga National Cemetery.
What’s your fondest memory of Rickey?
What’s a lesson you learned from Rickey?
Share a story where Rickey's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Rickey you’ll never forget.
How did Rickey make you smile?