Ralph Jefferson Futch Sr.

Ralph Jefferson Futch Sr., 79, of Black Mountain N.C., joined our Lord on November 27, 2022.
Ralph was a native of both Starke and Lawtey Florida, and after coming to Western North Carolina in the early 1960s, he made Black Mountain his second home. Ralph was a member of Mountain View (Baptist) Church where he served as a Deacon, youth leader, and groundskeeper. In 1975, Ralph became a member of the Masonic Lodge 663 A.F. and A.M. He enjoyed being outdoors and was continually working with his hands on various projects. He loved gardening and always had a healthy crop of vegetables to eat and give away to family and friends. He made frequent trips to Florida to visit and care for family over the years. Often taking down boxes of apples and coming back with a van full of watermelons and large sacks of pecans he would crack and shell in his "down time". He returned for several decades to Florida with his wife before returning to the mountains to be closer to their children. Ralph loved dogs (any animal really) caring for many during his lifetime, and while he enjoyed his alone time, he loved being with family and rarely hesitated to help a friend, neighbor, or someone he'd just met.
Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Green Futch; mother and father, Joyce and Melvin Futch; siblings, Terry (Patsy) Futch, and Mary Julia (Rolph Fachtmann); sister in-law, Vonciel Futch; and son-in-law, Jason Sawyer.
Ralph is survived by his brother, Benton Futch; his children, Ralph Jefferson "Jeff" (Tisa) Futch Jr., and Karen Sawyer; and stepchildren, Tony (Cindi) Brantley, and Kristina (Marvin) Osborne. He is also survived by and blessed to have several grand and great grandchildren!