Ralph was born in Glasgow on June 20, 1938, to Blanche and Henry Tomlin. Ralph moved with his family to Buena Vista when he was a young boy. He was a proud graduate of Parry McCluer High School. Following graduation, Ralph served his country in the Air Force. Upon his honorable discharge, he moved back to Buena Vista and went to work for Reeves Brothers. He retired from Reeves at the age of 68, having worked as a chemist before retirement.

Ralph was married to Peggy Tomlin (Withers) in 1962 and they had their only child, David, in 1963. Ralph loved the beach ‒ Virginia, Myrtle and Sunset were all favorite vacation spots through the years. He was an avid golfer who shot his age or better many times through the years. He loved his family, warm weather and being outside.

Ralph was very involved with the Buena Vista Presbyterian Church. He was a deacon in the church and sang in the choir for many years.

Ralph had three sisters ‒ Mary Francis, Doris (deceased) and Kathie.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Jan. 20, at 11 a.m. This service will be in the sunroom at Kendal in Lexington. Dress for the memorial service is casual.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Ralph to either the Kendal at Lexington staff appreciation fund (donations can be sent to Kendal at Lexington, 160 Kendal Drive, Lexington, VA 24450, please note to staff appreciation fund), or St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjudes.org/donate).

Arrangements are being handled by Bolling, Grose, & Lotts Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

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