Ralph M. Stanford Jr.

Ralph was born in Montgomery, Alabama, on July 7, 1948, and lived a big, full life there. He worked hard, played hard, and enjoyed every minute spent with his best friend and wife, Teresa, his loving family, and many close friends.

Ralph graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1966 and was inducted into the Robert E. Lee Hall of Fame in 2007. He graduated from Auburn University in 1971 with a degree in business and again in 1980 with a degree in civil engineering. At Auburn, he was an active member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, where he cultivated lifelong friendships. He also formed many close friendships through his service in the 187th Fighter Wing of the Alabama Air National Guard.

Ralph worked for the Alabama Department of Environmental Management’s Office of Water Resources until 1997, when he retired to focus on managing rental properties with Teresa. When he wasn’t working, you could usually find him doing something fun — fishing, boating, water skiing, scuba diving, horseback riding, snow skiing, or playing blackjack.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Teresa W. Stanford; daughter, Kathy Zahul and husband Terry; son, Stan Stanford and wife Suzanne; and grandchildren, Mary Katherine Stanford, Summer Stanford, and Houston Zahul.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph M. Stanford, Sr. and Mary Virginia Perdue Stanford, and his brother, Glenn Perdue Stanford.

Family and Friends Visitation will be held at Leak Memory Chapel, 945 Lincoln Rd, Montgomery, Alabama 36109, on June 15, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:15 am followed by shared memorial thoughts from 11:15-12:00.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hope Hull Community Church or Children’s Harbor on Lake Martin, both of which were special to Ralph.