Elder Ralph Edward Ploof

Elder Ralph Edward Ploof, age 81 of Bremen, Georgia, entered into the gates of Heaven on Sunday, December 14, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on January 23, 1944, in Buchanan, Georgia, Ralph was the son of the late William Ploof and Minnie Ola 'Weaver' Ploof. A man deeply rooted in faith, family, and service, Ralph devoted his life to serving the Lord and his community.
Ralph met the love of his life at Fellowship Church one Sunday afternoon, thinking she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. They were married in June of 1963 and shared 57 beautiful years, building a life rooted in faith, love, and devotion to family. Together, they were blessed with four beautiful children, whom they loved dearly and raised with strong Christian values.
In 1972, Ralph founded Ploof's Heating and Air, where he proudly served the local community, passing down the business to his son and grandson to carry on his legacy.
In 1981, Elder Ralph answered God's call and became an ordained minister. He faithfully served his community for many years, pastoring several churches and touching countless lives through preaching, prayer, and compassion. His final pastorate was at Union Grove Baptist Church, where he continued to serve with dedication, humility, and a servant's heart.
For 59 years, Ralph was a proud Master Mason, faithfully serving through the Draketown Lodge.
Elder Ralph had a deep love for tending his garden, where he found great joy and peace. He took pride in sharing the fruits of his labor, generously giving plenty of fresh vegetables to those he loved dearly. Ralph also took special pride in caring for the flowers he an his precious wife tended to. Ralph was known for cutting fresh flowers and surprising the ones he loved with a fresh bouquet. He continued the labor of love after her passing, tending her flower beds and carrying on her legacy of keeping their home beautiful, colorful, and fragrant. He also cherished time spent fishing with his family, creating memories on the water that will be treasured for generations.
In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded by his loving wife, Syble 'Fincher' Ploof, and his brothers, C.W. Ploof and N.P. Ploof and sister, Janelle Akin.
Elder Ralph is survived by his children, Shelia Norton (Paul), Tracie Sims (Anthony), Scott Ploof (Michelle) and Sunshine Smith (Jon); sisters, Betty Morris, Barbara Hagan, and Frances Ploof; grandchildren, Katrina Allen (Tony), Drew Norton (Melissa), Dustin Sims (Dana), Hannah Barry (Samuel), Dalton Sims (Brooke), Grier Smith (Logan), and Jonathan Smith (Emaley); and great-grandchildren, Kaily, Lilla, Talan, Easton, Embrie Jo, Julie, Boone, Harper, and Finn.
Visitation for Elder Ralph Edward Ploof will be at Hightower Funeral Home on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 from 5-8pm.
Funeral Services for Elder Ralph Edward Ploof will be held in the Chapel of Hightower Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 12:00pm with Bro. Jon Smith, Pastor Drew Norton, and Mr. Eddie Gurley officiating. Dustin Sims, Dalton Sims, Grier Smith, Jonathan Smith, Katrina Allen, Hannah Barry, Bobby Entrekin, Lee Dodson, Terri Fennell, Al Walker, Joey Fray, Phillip Spake, and Cary Reno will serve as pallbearers. The Kimball's liar's club will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Interment will follow at Union Grove Baptist Church Cemetery with Bro. Eddie Davidson officiating followed by Masonic rites conducted by Worshipful Master Jamie Newsome and members of the Masonic Lodge.
The family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Amedysis Hospice and especially Molly Hamilton and Angie Bettis, for the exceptional care, compassion, and kindness shown to Ralph and our family during this difficult time. Your dedication, patience, and genuine concern brought comfort and peace when we needed it most.