OWENSBORO, Ky. — E.J. “Jack” Ralph, 84, of Owensboro, went to be with the Lord on Jan. 13, 2025. Born in Hammond, Indiana, on March 9, 1940, Jack was the son of the late Homer and Marie Murphy Ralph.
He was a graduate of Hartford High School, Class of 1958, and went on to serve honorably in the United States Marine Corps from 1958 to 1962. He later attended Western Kentucky University and received his M.B.A from the University of Evansville.
After his service, Jack began his career in the energy industry, initially working for the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) before joining Texas Gas Transmission in 1970. There, he held numerous roles, eventually becoming Vice President of Operations before retiring in 2001. Throughout his career, Jack was respected for his work ethic, sharp financial acumen, and ability to mentor others.
But above all, Jack’s greatest pride was his family. His most cherished titles were “husband,” “dad,” “grandaddy,” and more recently, “great-grandaddy.” Jack was deeply devoted to his loved ones, and his happiest memories were spent on the water at Lake Barkley, where he enjoyed long summer days with his children and grandchildren. In the winter, he enjoyed escaping the cold Kentucky season by spending time with friends in The Villages, Florida.
A man with a sharp wit and a heart full of kindness, Jack was known for his infectious sense of humor. He always had a story ready to make others laugh and had an uncanny ability to make everyone feel seen and valued. Jack was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Owensboro, where he was an active member of the Fellowship Sunday School Class.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Wanda Kirk; and two nephews, Ryan Sandefur and Brandon Ralph.
He leaves behind his loving wife of nearly 65 years, Joyce Annis Ralph; his son, David (Lynn) Ralph; his daughter, Maria Coomes; his grandchildren, Abigail (Benjamin) Jessee, Olivia (Charlie) Shackelford, and Noah Coomes; his great-granddaughter, Evelyn Marie Jessee; his sister, Cindy (Clifton) Sandefur; his brother, James Earl (Sorretta) Ralph; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.
The family will hold a funeral service to honor Jack’s life on Thursday, Jan. 16, at 12 p.m. at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory, with Dr. Paul Strahan officiating. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the service begins on Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Sunnyside Cemetery in Beaver Dam, Kentucky.
The family would like to thank the caretakers and the Heartford house for the wonderful care they provided Jack in his final days.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to First Baptist Church or to a charity close to your heart. Jack was a man who believed in the importance of giving back and taking care of others.
The family invites you to share your memories and condolences at www.glenncares.com.
