Ralph Glenn Motley, age 87, of Little Rock, AR, died peacefully on Thursday September 13th, 2018. Ralph was born in Little Rock on January 12th, 1931 to parents Glenn Marion Motley and Georgia Fischer Motley.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, and by his sister, Rainey Nortier (Pete).
Ralph’s spirit will live on in his loving wife of 66 years, Darlene Duff Motley. Ralph’s memory will be cherished by his two sons, Phillip Motley (Roanne) and Randy Motley (Linda). Ralph will always be remembered by his six grandchildren: Michelle York (Chris), Nicholas Motley (Jaime), Michael Motley (Keesha), Rachael Nachtigal (Ted), Winston Motley, and Megan Cullum (Greg). Ralph loved spending time with his six great-grandchildren: Bailey, Cody, and Shelby York; Lillian Motley, and Kenton and Olivia Nachtigal.
Ralph graduated from Little Rock High School in 1949 where he excelled in printing. Ralph met the love of his life Darlene in 1950, and their first date was at the State Fair Rodeo. That same year, Ralph joined the Army National Guard before enlisting in the Navy where he served from 1951 to 1955 during the Korean War. Ralph was first stationed at the Pentagon, where he was trained in lithography and honed his printing skills, before being stationed on the repair ship USS Cadmus. During this time Ralph and Darlene lived in Norfolk, Virginia, where they created many treasured memories.
From 1975 to 1992, Ralph continued his printing career as a co-owner of Magna IV print shop in Little Rock. Even after his retirement Ralph continued set-type printing as a hobby in his home shop. Through the years Ralph was very well-loved by countless guests he greeted at Motley’s Christmas Tree Farm and Pumpkin Patch. He had an expert green thumb and maintained a large greenhouse full of various orchids. He cultivated many friendships as a member of both the Arkansas and American Orchid Societies, and won several awards for his beautiful orchids.
Ralph was a founding member of The Old Guys Breakfast Club, which he hosted in his barn most mornings with his close friends.
Ralph remained very active until the end of his life. He found joy in simple things like wearing overalls, driving his backhoe and bulldozer, staking out garage sales with buddies, and always making friends wherever he went. Most of all he enjoyed helping out his family, friends and neighbors in any way he could. It is a well-known fact that if you needed something, Ralph could probably help you with it. He will be deeply missed by all those that loved him.
A visitation will be held today, Sunday, Sept. 16th, from 2:00 to 4:00 at Griffin Leggett Funeral Home at 5800 W. 12th Street in Little Rock. A graveside service, with United States Navy Military Honors, will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday September 18th, at Arkansas State Veteran’s Cemetery at 1501 W. Maryland Avenue in North Little Rock, AR. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your favorite charity.
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