Luther Ralph

Luther David “L.D.” Ralph, Jr. Passed away on Monday, July 11th, 2022. He was born in December 18th, 1921, the third child and first son of Hester Martin Ralph and Luther Ralph, Sr., at Vertical Plains Farm in Sumner County, TN.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings Carleen Ralph, Juanita Hawkins, Mary Bradley, Evelyn Harmon, James T. Ralph, Wallace D. Ralph, Sr., daughter in law Betty Kamifugi, and three brother in laws Gilliam Hawkins, Ollie Smith, and Frank Harmon.

L.D. graduated from Goodlettsville High School. He was a veteran of WWII, Army Aircorp, serving in England, France, and Germany. He was a graduate of MTSU, (BA) and George Peabody College, (MA). He began teaching architectural design, art, and industrial arts at Central High in Columbia, TN and later moved to Peabody Demonstration School, now known as University School of Nashville in Nashville, TN, retiring in 1986.

L.D. loved working with wood, making furniture, hiking in the Smokies, traveling, and camping throughout the U.S., telling stories and using humor and foolishness in his conversations with others.

He was a lifelong member of Old Beech Cumberland Presbyterian Church and attended First Baptist Church of Goodlettsville

L.D. is survived by his wife of 76 years, Betty Thompson Ralph, sons Luther David Ralph III, Michael R Ralph (Susan) and child Raylin R Ralph; daughter Sharon D Ralph (David Cook); his two sisters Mina Ralph Smith and Deba Ralph Gammons (Tommy); his sister in laws Jacquelin Givan Ralph and Wei Chow Ralph.

Visitation will be held in the sanctuary at Old Beech Cumberland Presbyterian Church on Monday, July 18th, 2022 from 10am to 10:45am, followed by a graveside service at 11am.