Ralph Lewis Sebrell, Jr.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph Lewis Sebrell, Sr. and Alice Bell Sebrell, his first wife Ruth Weaver Sebrell, and his younger daughter Laura Sebrell Artman.

He is survived by his wife of forty-four years, Ann Willis Sebrell, his son, William Bell Sebrell and wife, Pam of Braceville, IL, and his daughter, Cheryl Lynn Sebrell of Littleton, NC, three grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one great great-grandson.

Ralph was graduated from Staunton Military Academy, attended Hillsdale College and was granted a degree in Economics at Bowling Green State University. Ralph proudly served his country during World War II in the Navy Seabees in California and later on the Amsterdam CL-101, a cruiser in the Pacific.

His career in sales spanned sixty years at Willys Jeep, Myers Pump Company, soft drink equipment at Cornelius and Lancer, and farm spraying equipment in Shenandoah Valley. He joked that his first job was as a newspaper boy and his last was delivering the newspaper in Park Place at VMRC. He was an active member of Asbury United Methodist Church and served as president of the Francis Asbury Sunday School Class and as a greeter. Subsequently he was a member at Otterbein United Methodist Church.

Ralph never saw a stranger, just a friend he hadn’t yet met. He was a consummate storyteller, regaling listeners with tales. He loved passionately and unconditionally. During his life he led youth camps at his church in Michigan, Minnesota and South Carolina; he was President of the BPO Elks Virginia Youth Camp.

His best man at Ralph and Ann’s wedding gave him the appropriate nickname “Dancin’ Ralphie;” he tap danced, shagged on the Carolina beaches, and danced in ballrooms.

He suggested the name American Motors at a meeting to join several car manufacturers and the name Slurpy for the frozen concoction served at 7-Elevens. On family trips he led sing-a-longs, making up the lyrics as he drove.

Interment will be in Richmond, Virginia at the convenience of the family. A memorial service will not be held at his request.

Memorial contributions may be made to Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community Foundation Compassion Fund.