Ralph Whitten

Ralph Whitten, 84, of Oceana, passed away Friday April 17, 2015 in Charleston from a sudden illness. Born October 24, 1930 in Red Jacket, he was the son of the late Frank and Rachael Webb Whitten. Ralph worked as a General Mine Foreman for Eastern Associated Coal Company at the Kopperston Number 1 and Number 2 mines. He served in the ministry for over 50 years. Ralph was a former Mason. He loved the outdoors, camping, fishing, and gardening. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his first wife, Ann and his second wife, Nona “Tiny” Whitten. Also preceding him were his brother James Whitten and his sister Mildred Paynter Cook. Those left to cherish his memory are his son Rick Whitten and his wife Joyce of Hurricane, two daughters, Debbie Sheets and her husband Ron of Hurricane and Pati Harrison and her husband Michael of Atlanta GA; Step sons Leonard Thomas and his wife Barbara of Newport News, VA and Lloyd Thomas of Virginia Beach, VA; sisters, Jewell Lusk and her husband Raymond, Sadie Tolley and her husband Gene, Barbara Stone and her husband Mike; brothers Lindsey Whitten and his wife Pat, and Jack Whitten and his wife Mamie; grandchildren, Aaron Whitten, Elisabeth Arthur, Drew Whitten, Sara Cook; step grandchildren, Natalie Hartman, Justin Ramsey, TJ Thomas, Curtis Thomas, John Thomas, Courtney Pate, and Erin Hicks; six great grandchildren and numerous step great grandchildren and a multitude of friends In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hubbard Hospice House 1001 Kennawa Drive, Charleston WV 25311.