RALPH BALLEW

RALPH BALLEW passed away at his residence in Albertville, Ala. on Sunday, September 22. He was born 94 years earlier in Blount County, Ala.

He was preceded in death by his parents, O.K. and Floy Ballew. Survivors include his wife and partner of 72 years, Vera Ballew; his four children: Janice Brown, Jeff Ballew (Melody), Dale Ballew (Sandra), and Julia Ballew; ten grandchildren: Grant Brown, Austin Brown (Brandi), Wesley Ballew (Janae), Julie Ballew, Dustin Ballew (Julie), Sawyer Ballew (Yami), Lee Ballew (Susan), Michael Ballew, Cameron Ballew (Samantha), and Chesley McCarty; twelve Great Grandchildren; sister Louise Hartline (Harold), and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Ralph received a bachelor's degree from Auburn University in 1952 the year he married the love of his life, Vera Nell Vaughn. He then served two years in the army as his family grew with the arrival of Janice, Jeff, and Dale. In 1960 he completed a master’s degree from Michigan State University. A thriving career followed at Auburn, TVA, and Mississippi State University. Julia’s arrival completed the family during this time.

In retirement, he and Vera moved back to their roots in Sand Mountain to be with family. He continued to be active in his community, his church, and eventually served as president of his local chapter of NARFE, a Federal employee organization, and was third vice president for the state. During that time, he helped bring Habitat for Humanity to Marshall County.

Another crowning achievement was his initiation into the Alabama Senior Citizens Hall of Fame in 2015.

But far beyond his academic and career achievements lay the true value of Ralph Ballew as a human being. Ralph’s powerful love of God, family, and country was apparent to all he touched. His character was extraordinary, and he was a shining example to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren on living life with honor, faith, values, service and integrity. When Ralph looked at you it was as if he was looking at his best friend.

Ralph was a true leader and friend who inspired others to reach for the stars. He was incredibly inventive and loved a good project. He always had a better way to build the mouse trap. His commercial sized garden and tomato plants were something of a legend to his friends and family, as were his walnut and pecan trees.

Fun and laughter were a part of everyday life, interspersed with camping, golf, fishing, cruising, rope swings, go-carts, and homemade ice cream. With a twinkle in his eye and a mischievous grin, he was not above some aggravating fun.

Ralph embraced life until the end, caring for Vera as she struggled with health issues and he would want us all to celebrate him with the same joy, and love that he gave to others.

Brother Ricky Harcrow and Brother Mike Rogers conducted the Funeral Service on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. at The Chapel of The Snead Funeral Home. Interment followed at Gibbs Chapel Cemetery. The family received friends, at Snead Funeral Home, Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until Funeral Time.

Pallbearers were – Wesley Ballew, Dustin Ballew, Sawyer Ballew, Grant Brown, Austin Brown, Lee Ballew, Michael Ballew, and Cameron Ballew.

Honorary Pallbearers were – Wendell Watts, Greg Key, Ethan Flack, Harold Rosser, Darrel Hammock, Mike Graven, and Leumon Musick.

In lieu of flowers, Ralph would like donations made to Zion Hill Primitive Baptist Church: 1346 Zion Hill Rd, Horton, AL 35980.