Ralph A. King, 81, went to Heaven where he will be the “Keeper of the Door” for his family and loved ones. He passed away on Thursday, February 1, 2018 at Zephyrhills Hospital in Zephyrhills, Florida following an apparent heart attack.
He was born on May 2, 1936 in Dabolt, Kentucky to Elijah H. and Datha M. Baldwin King – both who preceded him in death.
He retired from GTE after 21 years of service. Following his retirement, he worked at CRF Residential for 10 years. Ralph was a lover of bluegrass music and was very musically talented. He was known for being a skilled banjo player. In addition to being able to play the banjo, he could play the guitar, mandolin, and dobro. He traveled most of his life playing bluegrass shows and on stage with many well-known artists. He had performed on the Grand OId Opry show. He had been a part of several bluegrass groups including George Brock and the Traveling Crusaders, the Kentucky Gentlemen, Gary Strong and Hardtimes, and Sam Jones and Plumbline. Over the years, he enjoyed singing and playing music in many, many churches. More recently, he attended the Bible Baptist Church in Richmond, Indiana and the Blooming Grove Family Worship Center in Blooming Grove, Indiana. He loved jam sessions with his friends. In his retirement years, he loved serving and witnessing for the Lord. He loved to use his musical talents to witness and encourage people in the nursing homes and rehabilitation centers in Indiana and in Florida. He also loved to go fishing, play golf, and spend time with his family.
He will be greatly missed by his loving family which include his wife – Peggy Blunk Satterfield who he married five years ago. He was also loved by his daughters – Rhonda (William) Moore of Cambridge City, Indiana and Karen Baney of Connersville, Indiana; his son – Michael King of Connersville, Indiana and Kati McCreight of Middletown, Ohio; 2 step-daughters – Patty (Scott Stevens) of Goshen, Indiana and Bonnie (Jeff) Coleman of Richmond, Indiana; 3 step-sons – Max (Traci Vecera) Coleman of Richmond, Indiana, Tim Coleman of Hagerstown, Indiana, Jon (Rosie Gay) Coleman of Williamsburg, Indiana; 7 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 15 step-grandchildren; 13 step-great grandchildren; 4 sisters – Alpha M. Parrett of Connersville, Indiana, Ruth Parrett of London, Kentucky, Opal Boggs of McKee, Kentucky, and Janice (J.R.) Shackleford of Gray Hawk, Kentucky; many cousins, nieces, nephews; and countless friends. He will especially be missed by his two dogs – Griffey and Ryan.
Besides his parents, he was also preceded in death by his first wife of 57 years – Luevirna Cain King. She went to Heaven on April 7, 2012. An infant sister – Mary King and his son-in-law – Buddy J. Baney, Jr. also preceded him in death.
Ralph’s “Home Going Celebration” will be held on Thursday, February 8, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the Urban-Winkler Funeral Home, located at 513 West 8th Street, in Connersville, Indiana. Pastor Tom Marshall of the Blooming Grove Worship Center will officiate the service. Friends and family may visit on Wednesday, February 7, 2018 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Urban-Winkler Funeral Home in Connersville, Indiana. Burial will be in the Village Creek Cemetery in Connersville.