Obituary of Ralph Kimmel Grant

Our Heavenly Father called Ralph Kimmel Grant of Lafayette (Elliston), Virginia, home the morning of April 19, 2017. Ralph was born February 25, 1970, to the late Freddie Joe and Cherry K. Grant in Salem, Virginia. Ralph was the last child born of this union.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters; Cherry Ella Grant, Margarett Grant-Simmons, and Evelyn McLaughlin; brothers; Ulysses, Eldridge, Alexander “Leon,” Freddie William, and Charles O. Grant Sr.; sister-in-law; Sylvia Grant;  brother-in-law; James McLaughlin; and his best paw-friend, “Buddy.”

Ralph is survived by his devoted friend, caretaker, and wife of 23 years, Dawn; sisters; Dinnah "Louise" Grant-Marke (Nat), May G. West, Clara Grant, Cheryl Grant, and Ollie "Elsie" Awolowo all of California; brothers; Westley "Donald" Grant, Dave Grant, of Virginia, and Mark Grant of California; aunt; Ollie B. Wilson of Georgia; mother-in-law; Sandra Patterson; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

Ralph, attended Glenvar High School and worked several jobs from a bagger at Kroger to owning his own lawn care and towing service. As a child, Ralph attended Big Hill Baptist Church and Gospel Baptist Church. When he was older, he attended other local churches as well. He enjoyed tinkering with everything that had a moving part, including some that didn’t. Ralph was an avid roller-skater, music lover, daredevil of sorts, dog lover, and enjoyed the company of friends, soon to be friends and family.

Wherever there was a gathering, Ralph wanted to be there too. Ralph will be missed dearly by many, especially that giant smile after telling a silly joke or greeting you after not seeing you for a long time. “We only get one life, live it!” Through all the ups and downs of his life, that is exactly what he did. 

When I'm Gone

by Mrs. Lyman Hancock

When I come to the end of my journey

And I travel my last weary mile

Just forget if you can, that I ever frowned

And remember only the smile

Forget unkind words I have spoken

Remember some good I have done

Forget that I ever had heartache

And remember I've had loads of fun

Forget that I've stumbled and blundered

And sometimes fell by the way

Remember I have fought some hard battles

And won, ere the close of the day

Then forget to grieve for my going

I would not have you sad for a day

But in summer just gather some flowers

And remember the place where I lay

And come in the shade of evening

When the sun paints the sky in the west

Stand for a few moments beside me

And remember only my best

Acknowledgement

A friendly smile, a casual touch,

These are the things that mean so much.

To know you are with us in our time of sorrow,

Sharing our prayers, today and tomorrow.

God gives us comfort in the form of good friends,

May His peace be with you, His love never ends.

The Family of Ralph Kimmel Grant.