Ralph J. Lupton, Jr.

Ralph was born on February 26, 1937, in Vandemere, North Carolina, the son of Ralph J. and Sadie B. Lupton. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War from 1955 to 1957 before pursuing higher education, graduating from the Milwaukee School of Engineering in 1961.

On February 15, 1962, Ralph married Nancy Solvang in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, beginning a lifelong partnership. In 1969, he opened his first restaurant, Fat Man’s Bar-B-Q, in Temple Terrace, Florida. His passion for hospitality led to the expansion of his business, eventually growing to include three restaurants, a thriving catering operation, and the development of Lupton’s Boggy Bottom Ranch, a 150-acre property dedicated to community gatherings and events.

Ralph was deeply involved in his community and various fraternal organizations. He was a Mason, a Shriner, an Honor Patrol member, and a Jester. In 1983, he served as President of the Florida Restaurant Association, advocating for the industry he loved. His commitment to his community was recognized with several honors, including the Temple Terrace Unsung Hero Award and being named Citizen of the Year. For 30 years, he generously hosted the Foster Children’s Picnic at Lupton’s Boggy Bottom Ranch, creating cherished memories for countless children and families.

A man of faith, Ralph was a dedicated member of Temple Terrace United Methodist Church since 1978. His legacy of service, generosity, and kindness will live on in the many lives he touched.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Sadie Lupton of Vandemere, North Carolina, and his siblings Sally Stanley, Garland Woodard, and Samuel Woodard. He is survived by his sister, Nancy Smith, of Stonewall, North Carolina.

A beloved father, Ralph leaves behind his children, Ralph J. Lupton III and Jeffrey Wayne Lupton, along with Jeffrey’s wife, Angela Lupton, and their dear family friend, Ramona Prior, who was lovingly welcomed as one of their own.

Ralph was a proud grandfather to Ralph J. Lupton IV (Maggie Lupton), Kelsey Lupton (David Nassif), Brandi Lupton (Rick Pluta), Jeffrey Wayne Lupton Jr., Zachary Lupton, Hunter Lupton, and Bradley Lupton. He was also blessed with two cherished great-grandchildren, Nora Nassif and Ralph J. Lupton V.

He leaves behind a large and loving extended family, as well as many faithful friends whose lives he touched – too many to name but all dearly cherished.

The visitation will be held from 6 PM to 8 PM on Friday, February 7, 2025, at The Blount and Curry Funeral Home in Temple Terrace.

Church services will occur at Temple Terrace United Methodist Church, 5030 East Busch Blvd. at 11 AM, with visitation from 10 AM to 11 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Ralph Lupton Jr. to Temple Terrace United Methodist Church, or the charity of your choice honoring his life and legacy.

Ralph’s legacy of love, kindness, and devotion to family will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew him. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered.