Ralph Franklin Fortune

Ralph Fortune died at 96 years old on September 18th, 2014, at his home in Arlington, Virginia. Ralph was the beloved husband, for 67 years, to Virginia Marie Fortune; loving and devoted father to Ronald James Fortune, Albert Lee Fortune, Donna Jean Cleveland (Fortune), David Franklin Fortune, John Marvin Fortune, Marie Annette Fortune, Jeanie Fortune Barfield, and Joseph Ralph Fortune. Ralph was also the proud grandfather of 13 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

During WWII, Ralph honorably served as Staff Sergeant of the 424th Infantry, 106th Division of the US Army. After coming home from the Army in 1945 with an Honorable Discharge, he returned to the Department of Agriculture, where he worked for 40 years, retiring in 1977. He spent evenings and weekends working for Giant Food Stores for 32 years. Ralph was also a free-lance photographer for many years; capturing memorable events for co-workers, friends, family, and his church-family.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2014, from 10:30 am until the time of the funeral service at 11:30 am at Cherrydale Baptist Church, 3910 Lorcom Lane, Arlington, VA 22207.

Interment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Cherrydale Baptist Church.