Ralph Edward Windle

1937 - 2025

Ralph Edward Windle Sr. passed away peacefully at the age of 87 surrounded by loved ones. A devoted husband, father, and patriot, Ralph dedicated his life to service, both in uniform and in his community.

Ralph was born at the Columbia Hospital for Women in Washington, D.C. on September 13, 1937 to George Cecil Windle and Marguerite Smithey Windle. After graduating from Loudoun County High School's first class in 1955, Ralph enlisted in the Navy and married his high school sweetheart, Mary Jane Benedum. Later, Ralph received a full commission as an officer after graduating from Vanderbilt University with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and attending Officer Candidate School in 1966.

During his 24-year naval career, Ralph served aboard a variety of diesel submarines and surface-warfare ships. He was also a respected instructor, teaching at the Surface Warfare Officers School (SWOS), Officer Candidate School (OCS), and the Destroyer School. Ralph's service included a tour in Vietnam aboard the USS King rescuing American pilots shot down over the sea. While in the service of the Navy, Ralph earned several honors including: the Vietnam Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Submarine Warfare Insignia.

After retiring from Naval service in 1979 as a Lieutenant Commander, Ralph became an instructor of electronics, physics and math at the M.E.B.A. Engineering School in Easton, Maryland. He completed his career as the plant manager for Supreme Concrete Block in Leesburg, VA until he retired in 1996.

Beyond his naval career, Ralph gave back to his community by coaching Little League, where he mentored and inspired countless young athletes. Ralph was a Freemason Past Master of the Coats Lodge No. 102 in Easton, Maryland, and a member of the Scottish Rite. Among his numerous hobbies, he and his wife were members of the Model-T Club where they toured throughout the United States with other Model-T enthusiasts.

Ralph was a devout Christian, first finding Christ as a youth at Camp Highroad in Middleburg, Virginia. He was an active church member wherever he lived, including the First Presbyterian Church in Newport, Rhode Island, Easton Baptist Church in Easton, Maryland, and Leesburg Baptist Church in Leesburg, Virginia. In his life, he served in numerous volunteer roles within the church, including Deacon, Sunday school teacher, and building committee chairman. Ralph had a beautiful voice and memorized every verse of hundreds of hymns while singing with the church choir. Most recently, he was a member of the Round Hill Baptist Church participating in bible study groups and frequently leading prayers.

Ralph was predeceased by his brother David Windle, and sister Mary Alice Wertz. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Mary Jane Windle, their children Ralph Windle Jr. (Susan), Patricia Weise (Michael), JoLynn Hurley (Mark), Donald Windle (Lisa), and Charles Windle (Christine) as well as 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Ann Gremillion and brother Tom Hutchinson.

Ralph was an incredible role model for his entire family. He always thought of others first, and the kindness he showed to everyone he met was inspiring. Ralph will be remembered for his sense of humor, strong faith, integrity, and the steady love he gave to his family, friends, and community.

Family will receive visitors from 1-2pm on Saturday, July 5th at Hall Funeral Home in Purcellville, Virginia. Services will be held immediately after from 2-3pm, followed by a short burial ceremony at the Ebenezer Cemetery in Bluemont, Virginia. A late lunch will be provided following the burial at Round Hill Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ralph's memory to The Round Hill Baptist Church or Blue Ridge Hospice.

Arrangements by Hall Funeral Home, Purcellville, VA. Please visit www.hallfh.com to express online condolences to the family. Ralph Edward Windle