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BORN
1942
DIED
2017
FUNERAL HOME
James Ralph, Sr. Obituary
He was born to the late Minnie Lee Ralph Whitaker in Whaleyville, Virginia on October 10, 1942. James was preceded in death by his step father, Clinton Whitaker and his sister, Mary Ralph Goodman.
James attended T. S. Cooper Elementary School in Gates County, North Carolina and East Suffolk High School in Suffolk, Virginia. He loved all aspects of agriculture and became a licensed Registered Pesticide Technician with the Commonwealth of Virginia. He retired from Greenway Farms of Suffolk, Virginia. James subscribed to the farming resource magazines, Cultivate and Progressive Farmer.
He joined New Mount Joy C.O.G.I.C and attended the 8:00 morning service faithfully.
James daily monitored the Stock Market Reports and often accurately predicted the weather. He watched professional boxing, NasCar Racing and loved to watch the "Westerns." His smile, laugh, sense of humor and generosity were his character trademarks. Whenever needed, James was always helping both his family and friends.
James will forever be remembered by his childhood sweetheart and wife of 53 years, Virginia Ralph; a daughter, Sharyn Welch (Chester) of Suffolk, Virginia; a son, James Earl, Jr. of Gainesville, Virginia; a grand-daughter, Leslie Denise; a great-grandson, Nigel Layne, Jr. of Suffolk, Virginia; two uncles, Peter Ralph (Susie) of Hampton, Virginia and Vernon Ralph (Janice) of Suffolk, Virginia; a brother-in-law, Raymond Goodman, Sr. of Suffolk, Virginia; two nieces, Rev. Patricia Goodman and Belinda Brown of Suffolk, Virginia; a nephew, Raymond Goodman, Jr. of Virginia Beach, Virginia; a host of cousins, relatives and friends; and his beloved Boston Terrier, Belle.
A celebration of life will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, August 10, 2017 at New Mount Joy Family Worship Center. He will be laid to rest in Nansemond-Suffolk Cemetery. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc.
Memories and Condolences
for James Ralph, Sr.
Deborah Ellis
August 16, 2017
To the families and friends of James E. Ralph Sr. I do not know the families personally but we all lose love ones in death. May God give all of you comfort and peace at this difficult time. Please allow God to strengthen you.
Virginia will always be my home but I now live in Harrisburg Pa.
Marvin Fanny
August 12, 2017
Sharyn, Sending positive thoughts to you and your family during this difficult time. May the good memories you have of your father sustain you in the difficult days and weeks ahead.
Telly & Angela Ralph
August 10, 2017
We are extending our deepest sympathy and condolences as you grieve the loss of a great family member.
Evelyn White
August 9, 2017
To Virginia and Family
You have my deepest sympathy
My prayers and thoughts are with you
August 9, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Steve Rawls
August 9, 2017
Sharyn, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May GOD bless all of you during this time.
August 8, 2017
Mrs Ralph & family - We are so sorry for your loss. We will keep you in our prayers.
Sally, Mark & Ginny Griffin
Carey Copeland
August 8, 2017
Virginia, he is at peace, God has your love and my friend. God bless you all.
Denna Aston
August 8, 2017
Mrs.Ralph, Junior,Sharyn and family, My prayers and thoughts are with you all.I will miss seeing James working his garden,miss my talks when I pass by with the daily mail, he always had a pretty garden,but sometime that rain just would not just leave a little water,it would try to delay his planting.But that didn't stop him he kelp at it,going miss seeing him out there working it. Someday we will get to see his beautiful garden again. Love You All Denna Aston (Favorite Mail Lady)
Marsha Thompson
August 8, 2017
To the Ralph Family.
May GOD comfort you all at this time of sorrow. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
walter Biggs
August 8, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Hermione Nickens
August 7, 2017
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
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