Ralph J. Black

FRANKLIN

Ralph J. Black, 88, passed away Monday, June 15, 2015, at Homeview Health and Rehabilitation in Franklin. He was a resident of Franklin.

He was born June 20, 1926, in Liberty, Kentucky, to Willie and Sophie (Tarter) Black.

He married Peggy Hayes on March 14, 1953. She preceded him in passing in 1998. He later married Lucy Briddle on July 17, 2004. She lovingly survives.

Other survivors include his sons, Roger Black (Gwen) of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Mitchell D. Black (Christie) of Franklin; stepson, Donald (Sandy) Fitch of Edinburgh; two granddaughters, Heather Black and Regina Story; one stepgrandson, Aarick Fitch; a stepgranddaughter, Stephanie Montgomery; and a brother, Louis Black.

He was preceded in passing by his wife, Radine Black; sisters, Marie, Elizabeth, Kathleen and Louise; and brothers, Fred, Robert, Carl, Earl and Glenn.

He was a U.S. Army veteran, having served in the Pacific theater during World War II. He received a Purple Heart as well as the U.S. Army ribbon and service cross.

Ralph was employed by Arvin Industries in Franklin for 42 years, retiring in 1993.

Ralph was a member of First Separate Baptist Church, Franklin American Legion Post 205 and the Franklin senior center.

A celebration of Ralph’s life will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday at Flinn & Maguire Funeral Home, 2898 N. Morton St. (U.S. 31 North) in Franklin. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Greenlawn Cemetery in Franklin.

Online condolences may be made at www.flinnmaguire.net.