Ralph Plymale Jr.

Ralph H. Plymale, Jr. Obituary
Known affectionately as “Junior” to his family and close associates, Ralph H. Plymale, Jr., 93 years of age, passed from this life on Wednesday, April 29, 2020, at the Robertson County Health Care Facility in Mt. Olivet, Kentucky, surrounded by the family he loved and cherished, and by the wonderful, dedicated staff of the nursing facility who had become his extended family over the past two years.

Ralph was the adopted son of the late Miles Preston and Pinkie Smith Plymale. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the Pacific theater during that global conflict while stationed on the island of Guam. Following those years of service to his country, Ralph returned to Pike County, Kentucky, and married his life partner, Mildred Elizabeth Alley, on September 1, 1949. Over the next several years they became the parents of three children, Stephen, Jeffrey, and Suzie.

Junior worked for Harmon Coal Company, retiring in 1982 as a superintendent. He then became a craftsman and, to use his own words, a “wood butcher.” He became very active in the Phelps Area Habitat for Humanity and served as the first vice president of that chapter. He was a member of the Peter Creek Presbyterian Church, and a faithful servant of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Left to mourn his passing and to celebrate his going home to glory are his wife, Mildred Elizabeth Alley Plymale, sons Stephen C. Plymale (Cindy) of Kimper, Kentucky, Jeffrey Plymale (Rick) of Huntington, West Virginia, and Tina Suzanne Plymale Moore (Donnie) of Mt. Olivet, Kentucky; grandchildren Stephen Connor Plymale, Amanda Lowe (Brian), Ethan Allen Plymale, Hunter Hubbard Plymale, Preston Ryan Moore, and two great-grandchildren, Presley and Briar Lowe.

Junior leaves behind not just his family and friends, but also many memories of a life well lived, his tender warmth contrasted with his tough love, the way his face lit up when he smiled, or darkened to show his displeasure, his faithfulness to his family, and his plain-spoken philosophies of life, which he did not hesitate to give. Junior was a dedicated Wildcats fan to the end. He was a humble man who did not seek the limelight, but he accomplished much in his own quiet way.

The family has entrusted Jones & West Funeral Home of Phelps, Kentucky, with the final arrangements.  Condolences may be left for the family at www.joneswestfh.com. 

A short private memorial service led by Pastor Kelly Baldridge of Peter Creek Presbyterian Church will take place on Monday, May 4, 2020, at the funeral home.  Burial will follow at Mountain View Memory Gardens, Huddy, Kentucky.  A celebration of Junior’s life will be scheduled for a later date and will be announced once the government restrictions related to the Covid-19 virus have been lifted.  *Weather permitting*, there will by a drive-by viewing outside the funeral home before proceeding to the cemetery.  Those who would like to participate are asked to arrive at the funeral home by 11:45 and remain in your vehicles.

Casket bearers will be Stephen C. Plymale, Ethan A. Plymale, Hunter H. Plymale, Donnie Moore, Preston R. Moore, Macky Norman, Tom Davis, Rex Layne, and Greg Francis. Honorary pallbearers will be the men of the church: Ken Yates, Jim Bevins, Ronnie Mullins, Joey Justice, Hodge Hardin, Marty Wagner, Bert Hatfield, and Woody Barker.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that you make a donation in honor of Ralph H. Plymale, Jr. to the Peter Creek Presbyterian Church or to the Mary Anne Furrow Scholarship Fund. The family also wishes to express their appreciation for the love and support they have received in various forms during this time of bereavement. May God bless all of you.

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