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Ralph Sinclair Obituary
Nashville - Ralph ("Rick") Mason Sinclair, Jr., 70, of Nashville, went to be with the Lord on June 12th, 2021. Rick was the oldest son of JoAnne Henderson and Ralph Mason Sinclair. Rick was born in Nashville, TN and was a lifelong lover of family, friends, his church community, nature and all things Scottish. He attended Lipscomb University and earned his PhD in Environmental Science from Vanderbilt University. He dedicated his career to preserving the environment of Tennessee. One of his proudest professional achievements was overseeing the expansion of Tennessee's state parks as Deputy Commissioner for TDEC. His favorite role, however, was "Ranger Rick," a beloved granddad teaching kids to love and experience nature through his eyes.
He is survived by his wife, Vaughn Gaston Sinclair of Nashville; daughter, Virginia Sinclair Gardner (Mike) of Nashville and their two children (Andrew and Vaughnie); and son, Hunter Sinclair (Emily) of Memphis and their children (Mary Bryce, Ford, Gracie and Maggie); and siblings John Sinclair, Mark Sinclair, and Jana Sinclair.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 pm on Thursday, June 17th, and from 1 to 2 pm on Friday, June 18th. A memorial service will begin at 2 pm. All events will be held at Christ Presbyterian Church at 2323 Old Hickory Blvd.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorials to Christ Presbyterian Church's Missions Fund, Young Life, or the charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Sinclair
Sponsored by The Tennessean.
4 Entries
Jill Combs McDonough
August 30, 2021
I knew Rick many years ago. I believe he was one of the kindest people I´ve ever met. I am so sorry to hear of his passing and my prayers are with his family.
Barbara Reynolds
June 27, 2021
Vaughn, I am so sorry. Ginna Betts told me of Ralph's death. I have thought of you often over the years and am sorry to have lost contact. Please know my heart aches for you. It is hard to lose a husband at such a young age. Love, Barbara
Markus Brunnermeier
June 23, 2021
My deep sympathies to the Sinclair family whose hospitality I will never forget.
Linda and Bob Kelly
June 19, 2021
Rick recently bought the land with a barn next to us. We really enjoyed getting to get to know him. He was so friendly and kind. He went up and down our country road introducing himself to everyone. He was very caring and offered such comforting words recently to me when my sister died. He talked often of making a get away place for his family and built with care a treehouse for his grandchildren. Our granddaughters played in the barn with his granddaughters when he brought them out. You could see his love of nature and family. He always offered to help my husband Bob with projects. His country neighbors will miss him. We were blessed to have meet him. My deepest sympathies for your loss.
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