Ralph William McEwen, age 82, of Columbiana, passed away April 8, 2010, after a brief illness.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Frank McEwen of Four Mile; his sister, Thelma McEwen Ray of Four Mile and his brothers, Charles Howard McEwen of Huntsville and Clyde McEwen of Four Mile.
He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Peggy Lester McEwen, whom he met in high school and loved for the rest of his earthly life; his son, Frank Lester McEwen Sr. (Helen); his daughters, Susan McEwen McIntosh (John) and Ann McEwen Purdy (Keith); his granddaughter, Leigh McIntosh Addington (DJ); his grandsons, John Thomas McIntosh (Katy), Frank Lester McEwen Jr. and Luke Alexander McEwen; and his sisters, Evelyn McEwen Hall of Four Mile and Frankie McEwen of Pleasant Grove; and by numerous family members and friends.
Ralph McEwen lived a full and happy life secure in his faith. His love for his family brought him much happiness and joy, and his love for his friends added to his happiness.
He was proud to be a farmer and worked hard his entire life. He took great pride in his thirty-two years of partnership with his son Frank, together working and growing Coosa Valley Milling and Hardware Company.
In his later years he and Peggy loved to travel and took many trips with family and friends. He especially enjoyed traveling to football games with his friends in the Auburn University Motor Home Club. He was known as a friend to many and he never met a stranger.
The family wishes to give special thanks to the Studimire sisters for the loving care they gave during his illness.
A celebration of Ralph McEwen’s life will be at Lesters Chapel United Methodist Church Sunday, April 11, 2010, at 2 p.m. Visitation will be at the church from 1-2 p.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers the family requests that gifts be made to Lesters Chapel United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 7800 Chelsea Road, Columbiana, AL 35051.
Please sign online condolences at boltonfuneralhome.com.
Bolton Funeral Home is directing.