Ralph Lyon Countryman Jr.

Ralph Lyon Countryman, Jr.
Bonita Springs, FL

Ralph Lyon Countryman, Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, went to be with his Lord on January 2, 2013.
Born June 10, 1929, to Martha and Ralph L. Countryman, Sr., Ralph, Jr. met the love of his life, the former Dorothy Jean Doherty, while both were attending Northwestern University, and he was a member of Delta Upsilon Fraternity. After graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Advertising and Marketing, Ralph served as Adjutant in the Medical Services Corps of the United States Air Force until being honorably discharged as a First Lieutenant.
Ralph married Jean and was her "Joe" for the next 61 years. In Hawaii, they had their first child, David. Ralph then began his professional life in corporate America as an advertising executive. Positions at Monsanto and Darcy Advertising led the family (now including son Tom) to Atlanta. Ralph became Media Services Director of Coca-Cola USA. David and Tom grew up with Ralph as their baseball umpire, all-around coach and "Number One Fan!" After the boys left for college, Ralph found his own new challenges as Vice-President of The Seven-Up Company.
As David became an Air Force surgeon and Tom an attorney, there was never any doubt of the pride Ralph had in his sons. Arguably, though, his greatest joy came when he happily and with great gusto adapted to the role of "Grandpa" as David, then Tom, blessed him with a total of seven grandchildren. Tom's Rachel and David's Becky were the first Countryman girls in memory, but each grandchild was a special blessing. Ralph was at his very best when encouraging, mentioning and supporting his considerable "tribe;" his professional successes paled in comparison to his role as family patriarch. "Grandpa Ralph" passed on a lasting vision and example to each family member that will be his living legacy for generations. He enthusiastically adapted to his role as "Great-Grandpa," too, requesting at least weekly pictures of his great-granddaughter, Abigail Elaine.
Besides family, Ralph had a fond love of many special friends; his church family at Vanderbilt Presbyterian where he served as an Elder; and his Bible study group and golfing buddies at Worthington Country Club, where he served as President of the Master Board. He also served the less fortunate through various organizations and mentoring programs, including Habitat for Humanity. Ralph had a nearly insatiable curiosity, never being at a loss for good questions, and always seeking truth (except when it came to his golf scores). Ralph was an avid sports fan - particularly when one of his children or grandchildren was involved. He also was a wonderfully supportive son, never failing to write weekly letters home to his mother and to care for her and his Dad in their final years. And he dearly loved family feasts!
Ralph is survived by Jean, his wife; his sons, David and his wife, Vickie, and Tom and his wife, Jean; his grandchildren, Andy; Scott; Matthew and his wife, Emily; John and his wife, Brittany; Rachel; Becky and Steve; and his great-grandaughter, Abigail Elaine.
A Memorial Service and celebration of Ralph's life is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 7, 2013, at Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church, 1225 Piper Blvd., Naples, FL. 34110.
Donations can be made in Ralph's name to the Deacon's Fund of Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church or the Salvation Army.
Online condolences may be made at www.fullernaples.com
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