Ronnie L. Tennell

Ronnie L. Tennell, 82, of Flat Rock, passed away on Monday, November 2, 2026, at Franciscan St. Francis Health in Indianapolis.

He was born on September 22, 1944, in Bengal, the son of Cecil and Dorothy (Goff) Tennell. On June 5, 1966, he married his wife of 60 years, Jean Porter, and she survives.

In addition to Jean, Ronnie is survived by his daughters, Amie Tennell, and Ann Doty and husband, Scott, both of Flat Rock; grandchildren, Derrek, Aeriel and Gianna Tennell, and Blake Doty and wife, Brooke, and Will Doty and wife, Kayla; great-grandchildren, Avery, Rocky and Jamey Tennell, and Sutton Doty; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Harold Tennell, Maurice Tennell, Cecil “Jr.” Tennell and William “Bill” Tennell; sisters, Doris Kendall, Betty Runshe, Rose Hellmich and Norma Meal.

In 1964, Ronnie graduated from Southwestern High School.

He had been a member of Bengal Christian Church and Flat Rock Methodist Church.

Ronnie had been a mechanic for 55 years, owning and operating Tennell’s Auto Service in Flat Rock.

He was very active in the community, serving on the Flat Rock Volunteer Fire Department for 60 years, the Flat Rock Citizens Committee and the Flat Rock Cemetery Board. He was also a member of the Truck and Tractor Pullers Association. He enjoyed pulling his tractor “Wildfire” and his truck “The Mighty Hook”.

Ronnie loved to spend time with his children, grandchildren and family. He also enjoyed going hunting, fishing and working in the barn.

Visitation will be from 2 to 6 pm, Sunday, November 8, 2026, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville, and from 9:30 to 10 am, Monday, November 9, 2026, at Flat Rock Methodist Church, 2497 W. Flat Rock Road, in Flat Rock.

Funeral services will be at 10 am, Monday, November 9, 2026, at the church, with Rev. Les Fix officiating.

Interment will be at Flat Rock Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Flat Rock Cemetery, PO Box 116, Flat Rock, Indiana 47234 or the Flat Rock Volunteer Fire Department, 2785 Old State Road 252, Flat Rock, Indiana 47234.

Online condolences may be shared with Ronnie’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.