Ralph E. McKinney
Ralph E. McKinney, age 86, of Shelby, died Monday, January 30, 2012 at Shelby Pointe.
Ralph was born March 3, 1925 in Jackson Township, Richland County, to the late Martin Perry and Edna M. (Simon) McKinney. He was a 1943 graduate of Shelby High School. Ralph was a US Navy Veteran serving on the USS LaPorte. Prior to being discharged at Great Lakes Naval Center, he would spend his days at the naval base ballpark watching exhibition games. There, he had the opportunity to warm-up future hall of famer Bob Feller.
In 1947, Ralph attended a major league tryout at Cleveland’s Municipal Stadium. Before he left, he was offered contracts to play for the St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Browns. Instead, he decided to come home and work on the family farm. However, his love of baseball didn’t end there. He played for several area baseball teams including The Shelby Blues. He was an avid Cleveland Indians, Cleveland Browns, and Nascar fan.
Ralph was a volunteer on the Shelby Fire Department and was a Shelby Police Officer in the early 1950’s. He then went to work for General Motors where he retired after 30 years. He was a Jackson Township Trustee for many years and served on the Richland County Fair Board for six years. Ralph also was a presiding judge for the Jackson Township precinct. A life member of Shelby American Legion, Ralph was the recipient of the American Legion of the Year Award in 1994. He also was a member of Shelby VFW, Shelby Owls Club, and Trinity United Methodist Church.
On August 20, 1949 Ralph married Dorthy A. Spangler and she survives. Also suriving are: 3 sons: Michael E., John S. and Robert Marty; 3 daughters-in-law: Pamela K.,Shannon, Christine Tina; 4 granddaughters: Jennifer, Katie, Annie, Megan; step grandson: Ryan Curren and his daughter Hannah; Son-in-law: Pete Clark. Ralph was preceded in death by a daughter: Jean Clark; a granddaughter: Tracy Clark; a brother: Ross McKinney.
Friends may call on Thursday, February 2, 2012 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the TURNER FUNERAL HOME, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Funeral services will be held on Friday at 12 noon at the funeral home with Deacon Steve Keller and Rev. Edna Stahl officiating. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery. Military services will be conducted by Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children Research Hospital or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Share memories and express condolences at: penwellturner.com
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Family: Ralph McKinney
Name: Larry & Nancy Clawson
Date: 12-02-01
Condolence:
Dorthy & Family: We have lost our cherished neighbor Ralph.. We will miss seeing him on his Cub Cadet mower riding over here to get those blades sharpened, also seeing him mowing his lawn and cracking those walnuts in his garage… Prayers to you all..
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Family: Ralph McKinney
Name: Pam (Poffenbaugh) Lauer
Date: 12-02-01
Condolence:
Marty and family.We were saddened to hear of your fathers passing. You all have our deepest sympathies and are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the memories you share.
Danny and Pam (Poffenbaugh) Lauer
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Family: Ralph McKinney
Name: John and Miriam Au Gilliom
Date: 12-02-01
Condolence:
We were sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing. May the LORD be very near to you during this time.
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Family: Ralph McKinney
Name: Eileen Baker and Karen Reiker (daughter)
Date: 12-02-01
Condolence:
Dorothy and family,
We are so very sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
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Family: Ralph McKinney
Name: Jim and MaryJo Hull
Date: 12-02-01
Condolence:
Marty and Tina,So sorry to hear aabout your Dad’s passing. You and your family aare in our thoughts and prayers. Jim and MaryJo Hull
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Family: McKinney
Name: Dave Biemler
Date: 12-02-02
Condolence:
Im sadden to learn of Uncle Ralph’s death, we’ll see you tonight and tomorrow.
With all my love,
David and Melissa Biemler
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Family: Ralph McKinney
Name: Ann Imhoff and family
Date: 12-02-02
Condolence:
Dorthy and Marty
We are so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed helping Ralph when he
had to come out to the hospital.
You are in our prayers.
Ann,Tom,Marty and family
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Family: Ralph McKinney
Name: Kim & June Heuberger
Date: 12-02-04
Condolence:
Marty, Our thoughts & prayers are with you & your family in the loss of your father!