James Ralph Sullivan

James Ralph Sullivan, 81, of Pittsburg, died Friday, May 14, 2021 at his residence.

 

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at Pittsburg Cemetery officiated by William D. Wood, Jr. Burial will follow.

 

Pallbearers will be Steve Billingsley, Jim Rice, Louie Barron, Don Scott, John Wood, and Larry Christman.

 

Honorary pallbearers will be Rodney Couch, Hank Thomason, Don Testa, Ralph McClendon, Mike Wiggington, Larry Griffin, and Dewey Wemberly.

 

James Ralph was born to Claude Franklin and Bessie P. (Winslett) in Chockie on September 2, 1939.  Ralph grew up in the Chockie and Limestone Gap areas.  He graduated from Limestone Gap School in 1957, and moved to Pittsburg in 1959.

 

He married Billie Faye Nichols on September 17, 1960 in McAlester and they made their home in Pittsburg.

 

Ralph worked as a ranch hand for Turner Ranch.  He then worked for the McAlester Union Stockyards for 15 years.  He drove a road grader for Pittsburg County District 2 for over 15 years, retiring in 1982.  He enjoyed roping, raising cattle, and ranching.

 

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents: Claude and Bessie Sullivan; his wife: Billie Faye Sullivan on December 27, 1996; in-laws, Sherman and Alma Nichols; sister-in-law: Arlene Nichols; brothers-in-law: Willard Nichols, Bob Nichols, Donald Nichols, Kenneth Nichols, John Nichols, James Nichols, and Clyde “Red” Nichols, Eugene Nichols; and foster brother: Allan Echols.

 

Ralph is survived by his daughter: Sandy Cross and husband, Jimmy; sons: Jimmy Sullivan and wife, Cindy, Joe Sullivan, all of Pittsburg; grandchildren: Jimmy Sullivan, Jr. of Chockie, Holly Sweetin and husband, Jared of Pittsburg, Ty Sullivan of Pittsburg, Ariel Cross of Dennison, Texas, Jameson Cross, Erin Cross, Emilee Cross, Carter Cross, all of Pittsburg; great-grandchildren: Landon Sullivan, Jaxon Sullivan, Reyden Sweetin, Sadie Sweetin, Josie Sweetin; sister: Ruth Hearod; sisters-in-law: Mary Doyle, Beverly Nichols, Carlene Nichols, Georgia Ann Nichols, Jeanine Nichols; brother-in-law: Sherman Nichols and wife, Doka; and numerous nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.

 

The family would like to give a special thank you to Bessie Luman-McEntire and Heartland Hospice for their care.