Ralph Edward Sullivan

Ralph Edward Sullivan, a World War II veteran and D-Day survivor of Rockford, Tennessee, finished his fight surrounded by family Monday evening at age 91. As a member of the 1st Army, 9th Infantry, 39th Division, he served in six major campaigns from 1943 to 1946, from North Africa to Sicily to central Europe, including the Battle of the Bulge and a Utah Beach landing on D-Day. Ralph was honorably discharged at the rank of Staff Sergeant after receiving a Silver Star for his valor. He returned to Tennessee, where he was born August 13, 1923, and quickly married his high school sweetheart, Betty Ruth Mull on February 4, 1946. Ralph and Betty were members of St. John's Methodist church for over 60 years. Ralph went on to work at Alcoa, B.F. Churchill & Sons as a construction superintendent, Maryville College as Head of Maintenance & Grounds, and as an associate federal building inspector. To this day, many schools, government buildings, churches, and business that he built still stand across Tennessee. He enjoyed retirement as a Professional at tinkerin' and fiddlin' around. Ralph is preceded in death and awaited by his loving wife of 68 years, Betty Sullivan, his parents, George & Myrtle Sullivan, siblings Edith Russell, Alfred Sullivan, Bill Sullivan, and Pauline Russell, son in-law Joe Ingram, and grandson Christopher Sullivan. He is survived by his sister, Betty Jo "Jo Belle" Mason, daughter, Teresa Ingram, Son and Daughter in-law Steve & Janet Sullivan, grandkids Jennifer Wackerhagen and husband Jason Wackerhagen, Meredith Rigsby and husband Josh Rigsby, Stephany Sullivan, and Daniel "Best Buddy" Sullivan, and great-grandkids Taylor Wackerhagen, Elijah and Rylan Sullivan, and Benjamin Sullivan. The family would like to express a special thanks to his longtime caregivers, Karen Beverage and Chassady Fuller for their love and support shown to him. Receiving of friends will be held at Smith's Mortuary on Thursday, July 2 from 5-7pm, with a service to follow. The graveside gathering and burial, with Military Honors, will follow on Friday, July 3 at 11:00am, which Veterans and active service members are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. John's United Methodist Church's building and/or music fund. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Ralph Edward Sullivan please visit our Sympathy Store.