Ralph Wallace Chittum, 83, of Natural Bridge Station died Jan. 5

Ralph Wallace Chittum, age 83, of Natural Bridge Station, died Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023.

Ralph was born April 13, 1939, in Rockbridge County to Sylvester (Squinchy) Chittum, and Helen Muterspaugh Ruff. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Martha Lee Greenblatt.

He served his country in the United States Air Force for four years. He worked at Mundet-Hermitite for 14 years, Modine Manufacturing Co. for 14 years, and Burlington Industries. He and Marjory ran a business in Buena Vista, Ralph’s Sandwich and Bake Shop, and they loved giving back to their community.

Those of you who knew Ralph know that he was always “laughing on the inside,” he had an amazing smile, his favorite things to do for his community was decorating for Halloween and Christmas, and spending time with his wife and family. He loved his family dearly.

He is survived by his beautiful wife, Marjory L Chittum; two children, Chris Chittum (Missy), and Billie Jo Clark of Natural Bridge Station; three grandsons, Blake Chittum (Cheyenne), Dylan Clark and Nicholas Clark (Chelsea); special family member Marissa B. Huffman. He has four beautiful great-grandchildren, Adelyn Clark, Wyatt Buckner, Harper Clark and Harmony Clark; three sisters, Mary C. Wright (Family) of Buena Vista, Betty C. Campbell (Denise) of Wirtz, and Carolyn R. Stinnett of Alabama (Tonya Stinnett - of Colorado); one brother, Wilford Ruff of Amherst; special friend, Ronnie Ramsey of Natural Bridge Station; and many nieces and nephews; and a special pet, Brenna.

The family would like to offer their sincere appreciation to the staff of Carilion Hospital, Glasgow Rescue Squad, and Glasgow Co. 2 Fire Department, and Buena Vista Rescue Squad. In keeping with his wishes, his body has been cremated.

There will be a friends and family visitation only at Bolling Gross & Lotts Funeral Home in Buena Vista on Jan. 12 from 5 to 7 p.m.

If you wish to make donations to charities that he loved, please feel free to make donations in his name to the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the SPCA.