Ralph Anderson

ANDERSON, Ralph J., 81, of Richmond, Va., passed away peacefully on December 22, 2009 after a courageous battle with cancer. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph M. and Mary E. Toone Anderson; his wife, Thelma Anderson; brothers, Melvin and Earl; and sister, Mary. He is survived by his sister, Ethel M. Moody; and numerous nieces and nephews. Other survivors are his beloved friend, Thelma Holtzlander; his niece, Marilyn P. Siron, who adopted his black poodle, Holly; the Community Missions staff at First Baptist Church; neighbor, Katrina Leary; and Joyce and Edward Clemmons. Ralph was a member of First Baptist Church, where he attended the ACTS Sunday School class. He was an active volunteer with the Community Missions Shower Ministry, assisting less fortunate individuals. Ralph served in the U.S. Navy and retired from the American Tobacco Company. He loved the Lord and his church and the entire church staff. He will be remembered for his laughter, joke telling and delight in being with people. The family will receive friends 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Parham Chapel, Woody Funeral Home, 1171 N. Parham Road. A service of celebration of Ralph's life will be held on Tuesday, December 29, 2009 in the chapel of First Baptist Church, Boulevard and Monument Avenues, at 2 p.m. Interment Westhampton Memorial Park Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church Community Missions.



This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.