Ralph Hardy Clemons Jr.

Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Ralph and his parents moved to Oakland, California when he was still young, later moving to Pasadena, CA. After graduating from high school and junior college, he entered USC under the Navy V-12 Program and the Navy ROTC, in preparation for the Korean War. He was honorably discharged with the rank of ensign. Not long afterwards, he went to work for Daniel Orifice Fitting Company (which later became Daniel Industries, Inc.) as a salesman. He was transferred to Philadelphia, PA in 1952, and in 1956, he transferred to Houston, TX as an assistant sales manager. Ralph worked hard and eventually travelled all over the world for Daniel Industries. He was able to travel to Canada, England, Venezuela, Mexico, Scotland, France, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Norway, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Iran, Russia, and South Korea. Ralph was named president of Daniel Bolt Company and made it one of the most profitable units of Daniel Industries. Later, he was named president of M&J Valve after Daniel purchased it. He was fond of all who worked for him and treated them with respect and humility as fitting a true leader. He was well-liked and respected in return.

Ralph was involved in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Rotary International and Toastmasters. He attended St. Christopher's Episcopal Church where he taught Sunday school, served on the vestry for years, helped plan and complete the church's columbarium, organized their pumpkin sales, and took on major acting roles in church plays.

Ralph was predeceased by his father, Ralph H. Clemons, Sr.; also, his mother, Elizabeth Kneale Clemons, and his wife of nearly 68 years, Jacqueline LaDell Clemons. He is survived by sons Steven Arthur Clemons, Charles Alan Clemons, and daughter Linda Elizabeth Clemons. He has eight grandchildren: Hope Ridgway, Christopher Hardy Clemons, Kelly Lynn Martini, Laura “Michelle” Beaty, Jason Scott Beaty, Jeremy Waye Beaty, Martin Aaron Nicely and Jacqueline Elizabeth Lord. He also has 24 great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter.

Ralph will be remembered in a memorial service at 11:30 AM on Monday July 22nd at Clarewood House, 7400 Clarewood Dr. Houston, TX 77036.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to Houston Public Media (PBS and NPR) as Ralph and Jacque were lifelong supporters. Other considerations might be the American Cancer Association, the National Audubon Society, or the National Wildlife Federation.