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Ralph Slusher Obituary
Ralph C. Slusher, M.D. of Evington, VA died early Monday morning, October 29, 2012, at Lynchburg General Hospital. Born August 18, 1932 in Terre Haute, IN, he was the son of the late C.C. and Edrie Lee Slusher. A graduate of Virginia Tech and the Medical College of Virginia, he was a general family doctor for 52 years in the Altavista area. As a physician, one of his most outstanding contributions was the delivery of over 4300 babies to the many families he served. He was a member of many medical organizations and most notably was a Fellow and founding charter member of the American Academy of Family Practice (AAFP). Dr. Slusher was also a retired Brigadier General of the USAR medical corps having served in many active duty tours, including Operation Desert Storm where he commanded the 2290th Hospital and Walter Reed Army Medical Center. As a community leader, he was a scoutmaster to Troop 184 where he guided 17 scouts to the rank of Eagle. He had a love and appreciation for photography and was also an avid Hokie and Redskin football fan.
Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Nancy Anne Spangler Slusher, a sister, Betty Jean Wilson and husband, Tommy, of Radford VA, a son, Ralph Mark and his wife, Carla, of Evington, VA, a daughter, Misty Jill Slusher Hostetter and husband, Dean, of Forest VA, and a son, Ralph Kendall of Evington, VA. Additionally, he is survived by 6 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren.
Horne Funeral Home in Christiansburg, VA is in charge of funeral arrangements. A full military burial with honors will be conducted at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Christiansburg, VA. An online guestbook is available at www.hornefuneralservice.com. Local visitation will be held at the Altavista High School Gymnasium on Sunday, November 4, 2012 at 1:30 pm, with a memorial service following at 3 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the local American Cancer Society at 2050 Langhorne Road Suite 201 Lynchburg, VA 24501, the PenFed Foundation (a charity to assist the financial needs of wounded veterans) at 2930 Eisenhower Ave Alexandria, VA 22314, or the Centra Foundation at 1920 Atherholt Road Lynchburg, VA 24501. The family would like to offer many thanks to the nurses and medical staff of Lynchburg General Hospital Neuro-ICU for their compassion, care, and dedication.
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Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Slusher
Michael W Keesee Sr.
May 8, 2024
I was one of his troop 184 scouts. He was there when I was born. Michael W Keesee Sr.
Tammy Beverly McDaniel
November 5, 2012
My deepest condolences to the family. He delivered me and was my doctor until he retired. I will miss him very much.
Breon Johnson
November 4, 2012
He was a very nice man,he will be missed by all!
DENISE ADKINS
November 4, 2012
DR. SLUSHER DELIVERED ALL OF MY MOM.S CHILDREN. AND HE WAS MY CHILDRENS DR. TOO. THEY HATED GETTING SICK BUT LOVED SEEING HIM. I HAD TO BUY MY SON COWBOY BOOTS BECAUSE DR. SLUSHER ALWAYS WORE THEM WHEN DYLAN SAW HIM. I HAVENT FOUND A DR. I LIKE AS MUCH AS HIM. HE WILL BE MISSED.
Benny David
November 4, 2012
My deepest condolences to the family. "Doc" was a great man and will be missed by many. Not only did he care for the physical health of the community, he was resposible for developing the character of many young people. Mentoring me to attain eagle scout was one of my life's first major accomplishments. He remained my friend throughout my life. Thanks "Doc" for everything you did for the community.
steven Dalton
November 3, 2012
I would like to express my deepest sorrow to Mark and the whole family for your great loss. We love your family and will have you in our thoughts and prayers . I was one of the many Babys Dr. Slusher deliverd.
Love , Steve ,Susan Dalton and Family
Gregory Logwood
November 2, 2012
Dr. Slusher was my doctor until he retired. He was the best doctor anyone could ask for.
November 2, 2012
DR. SLUSHER..
VOTED TO BE THE BEST BEDSIDE MANNERS OF ALL TIME. HE ALWAYS SPOKE TO TOU WITH A CALMNESS. HE WILL BE TRULY MISSED BY THE ALTAVISTA COMMUNITY
TERESA PATRICK
ALTAVISTA VIRGINIA
November 1, 2012
Dr Slusher delivered both of my children. He was there at the hospital before,during and after their births always right by my side. My children never had another doctor until they were grown. I loved him. He will be missed. Prayers for the family, Gloria Dawson
Deb Williamson
November 1, 2012
When I was 5; Dr. Slusher stitched up my left index finger. He smiled and said I would be ok. It was his smile and caring manner I will always remember. Prayers go out to the family.
Robin Dudley Vaughan
November 1, 2012
Dr. Slusher told my mom back in 1972 when I was only 14 years old, that I was "a might sweet young lady." That is when I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Thanks to his wisdom I am still living today. Thank you Dr. Slusher
Wanda Puckette Goodman
November 1, 2012
He was already missed when he retired from his practice; no one could ever measure up to his way of practice they just don't make them like him anymore. Caring, loving and the best listener ever, without condemnation or not taking concern when you complained ! May he rest in peace and God give you wonderful family members peace also and smile at the memories he gave each and every one of you, for I know this community was more than blessed to have him here for us for so long.
November 1, 2012
DR SLUSHER ALLOWED ME INTERN IN HIS OFFICE THE BEST EXPERICENCE IN MY LIFE NELLIE SMITH
PAULETTE STEWART CUSTER
November 1, 2012
OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL. I DIDN'T KNOW YOUR BROTHER AS WELL AS I KNEW YOU, YOUR MOM AND DAD. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND HIS FAMILY.
Jason Moon
October 31, 2012
I am blessed to have known Dr. Slusher for most all of my life. He was my first and best doctor. He will truly be missed. Prayers and support to you during this sorrowful time.
Cecile Farmer
October 31, 2012
Altavista was blessed to have Dr. Slusher in our area and he will truly be missed.
Cecile Farmer
Al Dellinger
October 31, 2012
Prayers of strength go out to the family. He was a healer in many ways.
James Crouch
October 31, 2012
I am blessed from knowing Dr. Slusher. He cared about people,and devoted His life to helping others.
Ashley Nibecker
October 31, 2012
You were a great man & done a lot for people. We will all miss you but I know you will be looking over us. Zach & Brooke loves you & misses you.
Michael Reaves
October 31, 2012
Growing up in Altavista in the 60's and 70's, he was our family doctor. I remember sitting in his waiting area many times as a boy. He had a calm bedside manner in the examining room. Wonderful man who worked with the Boy Scouts for many years as well. The last time I saw him was when my oldest daughter came down with strep throat around 1990 when we were home to visit my mom. May he rest in peace as his work in this world has ended. My prayers are with his family.
Bob Carpenter
October 31, 2012
He was a good friend.
October 31, 2012
HE WAS A TRUE AND CARING DOCTOR TO OUR TOWN,HE WILL BE MISSED.PRAYERS GOING UP FOR HIS FAMILY. SUSAN PHILLIPS
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