Ralph H. Grow, Jr. Jr.

The Reverend Ralph Houston Grow, Jr. of Staunton, Virginia, died April 28, 2025, at The Legacy at North Augusta in Staunton.

Ralph was born May 17, 1941 in Lexington, Va. to Ralph Houston Grow, Sr. and Josephine Feazell Grow.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his loving wife, Yvonne Ashe Grow.

Ralph spent the first two decades of his life in Rockbridge County, Virginia, He received an associate's degree from Bluefield College and a bachelor's degree in history from Carson-Newman College. He continued his studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he earned a Master of Divinity degree as well as a Master of Theology degree. He completed additional studies at Wesley Theological Seminary.

Following graduation from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Ralph served at the First Baptist Church in Gaithersburg, Maryland, and then, along with his wife Yvonne, at the North Carolina Baptist Children's Home. He served as associate pastor of First Baptist Church in Bassett, Virginia; and pastor of Hurt United Methodist Church in Hurt, Virginia, Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church in Martinsville, Virginia, West Augusta United Methodist Church in West Augusta, Virginia, and St. James United Methodist Church in Churchville, Virginia. He retired from the pastorate in 2007. Following retirement, Ralph worked during tax season at H&R Block, where he made new friends and specialized in tax preparation for the clergy.

Ralph was well known for his sense of humor, his ability to make people laugh, and his exceptional memory - especially of movies, actors, history and birthdays. He had a great love of sports, with baseball being his favorite; he could name the star players and winners of World Series of years past. Ralph was earnest in keeping up with his dear friends, many of whom he knew from childhood. He also was very dedicated to the people he served as pastor and to anyone else who needed his care.

Ralph leaves behind a host of friends and numerous cousins. Several of these have faithfully cared for him during the last months of life Jackie McGovern, Angella Pence and cousin Renee Poteet. Legacy Hospice also provided exceptional care to Ralph.

Friends of Ralph may pay respects during the hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6 at Bear Funeral Home, Churchville.

A graveside service will be held 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 7 in Green Hill Cemetery in Buena Vista, Virginia.

A celebration of Ralph's life will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to a church or charity of choice

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Bear Funeral Home is serving the family. Condolences may be expressed online at bearfuneralhome.com.