Ralph O. Stophel

Ralph Stophel, 92, of Cleveland, passed away on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at his home.  He was born December 28, 1929 in Bristol, TN to Oscar William and Cora Lee Frye Stophel.

Ralph was a man of strong faith who loved his Lord Jesus Christ and was a faithful prayer warrior for his family and friends. He was a loving and devoted husband to his wife, Mary, for 68 years. 

He graduated in 1949 from Holston Valley High School where he lettered in basketball and baseball. It was at HVHS that he met Mary. They were both captains of their basketball teams.

Ralph joined the Marine Corp and proudly served his country in the Korean Conflict as a drill sergeant.  Upon returning home, he graduated from Bristol Commercial College and ETSU and married Mary.

He worked at Raytheon Corporation as an Industrial Engineer in the guided missile production and at Hardwick Stove Company as a plant superintendent.

He served as an advisor for Junior Achievement for several years. He also served as an AARP income tax volunteer for senior adults for 11 years. However, his true passion was serving in the church as a teacher, Training Union director, deacon, and trustee.

Ralph was preceded in death by his loving wife Mary;  parents, Oscar and Cora Lee Stophel; brother, John Stophel; sister, Doris Baines, grandchild, Jennings Bryan Anderson; brother-in-laws, Milton Booher, Roy Booher, Marvin Booher, Charles Booher, Bill Sapp, and John Robinson.

He is survived by his children, Connie Anderson (Robert) of Cleveland, TN, and Lisa Battle (Dixon) Johns Creek, GA; cherished grandchildren,  Jennifer Navarro (German), Elizabeth Brown (Ethan), Connor Battle, and Robert Anderson, Jr; one great- grandson, Owen Brown; brothers, Glenn Stophel (Jackie) and Larry Stophel (Karen); sisters, Betty Jane Sapp, Charlotte Robinson, and Judy Blake (Woods); brother-in-law,  Clarence Booher (Virginia); as well as several nieces and nephews and many friends.

A graveside service with full military honors will be held at Chattanooga National Cemetery on Monday, May 23, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Tom Wicks officiating.  

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for contributions to be made to First Baptist Church of Cleveland, 1275 Stuart Road, Cleveland, TN 37312, where he was a member.

The family would like to thank Dr. Obadias Marquez for his kindness and care of his “Cadillac” patient over the years. Also a special thank you to Hospice of Chattanooga’s Cleveland team, Jenny, Harrison, and Chelsea for their loving care that allowed Ralph to remain at home as he prepared to transition to his heavenly home.

We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Stophel family guestbook at www.ralphbuckner.com.