Ralph Lynn Crofford

Ralph Lynn Crofford, 80, of Nashville, TN formerly of Dresden, TN died Saturday November 24, 2012 at the Alive Hospice Residence in Nashville, TN. Memorial services were Saturday December 1, 2012 at Noon at Bowlin Funeral Home Chapel with burial following in Sunset Cemetery in Dresden, TN.

Ralph was born October 4, 1932 in Dresden, TN to the late Thomas Hilary and Hazel Alaine Maxey Crofford. He was also preceded in death by a younger brother Douglas Wayne. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Jerlean Webb Crofford from Palmersville, TN to whom he married December 14, 1957. They were married 47 1/2 years before her death in 2008. Ralph attended Harris Elementary School and Dresden High School. Ralph was a US Air Force Veteran beginning his active duty in 1953. He was a truck driver for Argo Collier Truck Lines from 1961-1984. He then worked for Ryder Truck Lines and TCW in Nashville, TN until his retirement at age 75. He received several safety and attendance awards during his career. He was a loyal member of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and while at Argo Collier Teamsters Local 710 in Chicago, IL. Ralph was baptized at Dresden Church of Christ in 1967 by William Goree. He was a founding member of Southside Church of Christ. In 1999, after permanently moving his residence to Nashville, TN, he and his wife were members of Harpeth Hills Church of Christ in Brentwood, TN. After retirement, Ralph was a member of Silver Sneakers at the Bellevue YMCA, McDonald's Bingo and attended his grandchildren's' events at Montgomery Bell Academy and Lipscomb Academy. Ralph was also a survivor of the 2010 Nashville Flood and was one of the first in his neighborhood to rebuild and was an inspiration to others for his spirit and friendship.

Ralph is survived by his only child and daughter Marcia Lynn Crofford (Jay) Sloan, CPA MMHC of Nashville, TN; grandchildren, Joseph White Sloan III of Knoxville, TN and Hilary Brook Sloan of Nashville, TN; a brother, Dan E. (Mildred) Crofford of Dresden, TN; nieces, Danna (Stan) Kelley and daughter, Taylor of Alpharetta, GA and Amy (Sam) Hargrove and son, Nathaniel of Ringgold, GA ; and only first cousin, Sue Ellen Maxey (Danny) Lamb of Franklin, TN and children Cameron (Laura and Adri) and Courtney (Greg) of Nashville, TN. He is also survived by brother in law, Jere Webb and family of Martin, TN; and sister-in-laws Bettye Mayo Tidwell and Family of Dresden, TN; and Ellen Webb Pope and Family, of Poquoson, VA.