Ralph Floyd DuPree

RALPH FLOYD DUPREE

On May 12, 2009, Ralph Floyd DuPree graduated from the church militant to the church triumphant. He was born on July 10, 1923, and was preceded in death by his wife Lindy Ann, and his youngest son Michael Ralph.

Ralph was a life long resident of Gainesville, and grew up in the Arredondo area. He graduated from P K Yonge Laboratory School in 1939 at the age of 16, moving on to the University of Florida to further his education. He joined the ROTC, was active in the chorus, was a glee club quartet star, and often sang live on the school radio station WRUF. Ralph graduated with a degree in chemistry in 1943, and then joined the Navy, where he attended Officers Candidate School at Columbia University in New York City. He served on the USS Eichenberger in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters and reached the rank of Lieutenant. After his discharge from the Navy, Ralph came back to his hometown of Gainesville and started working for Southern Bell Telephone Company. He soon married and started his family of two boys and two girls.

Ralph was always strong in his faith and attended Highlands Presbyterian Church. He served the church in the capacity of Elder, and as Treasurer for a number of years, but most of all he was able to continue his love of music by singing in the church choir and lending his beautiful voice during special services at Easter, Christmas, weddings and funerals throughout the community.

After working at Southern Bell for over 30 years, Ralph retired and embarked on his other love, traveling. He spent the next few summers traveling through Europe and the Middle East.

Being an avid GATOR fan was his passion, and nothing made him more happy to have witness three Football, and two Basketball National Championships.

Ralph is also known for his famous Wednesday night suppers which he lovingly prepared for the church community at Highlands Presbyterian Church for over 20 years.

He is survived by his son Marc T. DuPree, and his wife Jan, Citra, FL, Marcia D. Taylor and her husband Michel, Alachua, FL, Lisa E. Gray and her husband Tommy Gainesville, FL, granddaughters Stephanie Phillips, Karah and Katie Hensel, grandsons Ryan O. Kitchens and his wife Chelsea, Jacob B. DuPree, and great granddaughter Madison Phillips, his brothers Hubert and Emmett DuPree, and sisters Margaret Burroway and Joyce Stinson.

The family will receive friends on Thursday evening from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at the Milam Funeral Home, 311 S. Main St., Gainesville. Funeral services will be held Friday, May 15, 2009 at 1:00 PM at the Highlands Presbyterian Church, 1001 NE 16th Ave., Gainesville, FL. Burial will follow in the Kanapaha Cemetery in Gainesville.

Arrangements are under the care of MILAM FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES, 311 South Main Street, Gainesville, FL (352) 376-5361.