Ralph Torbette Killian Sr.

Ralph Torbette Killian, Sr., 88 years of age, passed away on December 1, 2010 at The Terrace Skilled Nursing Care at Fleming Island. He was born July 30, 1922 in Big Stone Gap, VA. His military career eventually brought Ralph and his family to Jacksonville in 1951, and in later years after his retirement to Fleming Island where he resided until his death. Ralph proudly served in the U.S. Navy for 30 years, participating in World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War, retiring as Sr. Chief Aviation Ordnance. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying fishing, hunting, camping and gardening. Ralph was the loving husband of 21 years to Violet (Panik) and previously of 44 years to Ola Mae (Wall), the mother of his children. He was predeceased by his parents, Van and Rebecca; his first wife, Ola Mae; two sisters Christine and Evelyn; and his brother, George. Ralph is survived by his three children: Ralph (Toby) Jr. (Gloria) of Frisco, TX; Florence Wolfe (Paul) of Jacksonville; Brenda Sutton (Robert) of Jacksonville; two step-children: Nancy Hoffmann (Paul) of Arlington Heights, IL; J.P. Strauss of Wadsworth, IL; seven granddaughters; four great-grandchildren; brother, Lowell; and sister, Iris Scott. Visitation will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 4, with a funeral service to follow at 11 a.m. at Fleming Island United Methodist Church, 7170 Highway 17, Fleming Island, FL 32003. 904-284-3366. Ralph will be laid to rest with full military honors at Riverside Memorial Park Cemetery, 7242 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32205. 904-781-9262. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Haven Hospice, 8301 Cypress Plaza Drive, Suite 119, Jacksonville, FL 32256 and/or Fleming Island United Methodist Church in Memory of Ralph Killian.

Arrangements made by Hardage-Giddens Town and Country Funeral Home, (904)781-9262.