Ralph Thomas Glassford

Preceded in death by his Wife of 68 years, Alice; Parents, Helen Reynolds Glassford and John Royal Glassford; Sister, Betty Glassford Swift (Joseph). Survived by his Brother John Reynolds Glassford (Anna); Children: Donna Glassford (James Sullivan, MD), Ralph Mark Glassford (Sandra), Beth Ann Glassford, Grant Charles Glassford (Mary Catherine); Grandchildren; Kelly Marie Bubis (Brandon); Mary Alice Wercholuk (Eric); William Matthew Bright; Megan Elizabeth Heuer (Nick); Clayton Thomas Weber; Claire Marie Glassford; Charles Thomas Glassford; and five great-grandchildren.

Ralph grew up in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York surrounded by a large and close family with ten aunts and uncles and twenty first cousins. His Maternal Grandfather, Thomas Reynolds, was the Mayor of Hastings and Westchester County Sheriff, and Ralph had an interesting childhood. His people skills and dedication to customers began at an early age delivering newspapers, milk, selling magazines and polishing cars. Ralph loved interacting with others. He never met a stranger.

In 1950, Ralph graduated from Packard Junior College in New York, NY where he was a member of the Student Council, Glee Club, and President of Pi Beta Sigma. In 1951, Ralph was drafted by the U.S. Army to serve in Korea. While home on leave, he was introduced to Alice Cecilia Glinane and was immediately smitten. Ralph and Alice corresponded during his two-year deployment. Promptly after an Honorable Discharge in 1953, with the United Nations Service Medal, Ralph proposed to Alice at New York’s historic Governor Clinton Hotel. Ralph and Alice, The Honeymooners, were married in 1954.

Ralph began his successful retail career in the mailroom of the Mercantile Company in 1950. He was quickly recognized for his many talents and as a hard worker. At the age of 24, Mercantile transferred Ralph to Cincinnati Ohio. The New Yorkers headed south and immediately started a family. Within five years, Donna, Mark, Beth and Grant were born. Ralph boasted that he liked a balanced inventory.

In Cincinnati, Ralph quickly advanced from buyer to store manager. In 1966, he was transferred to Lexington, Ky to open and manage McAlpin’s Department Store where he worked for eight years. In 1975, Ralph was again promoted to President of The Castner-Knott Co. in Nashville. During Ralph’s tenure (1975-1992), Castner-Knott grew from six to thirteen stores. The Nashville community immediately recognized Ralph as an ace retailer and a man with great civic spirit. According to a 1979 an article in Forbes magazine Ralph’s “… familiarity with the merchandise is matched by his knowledge of his 1,800 employees most of whom he greets by name.” One of Ralph’s former employees observed: “He is probably unsurpassed as a people person.”

A charismatic mover and shaker Ralph contributed to each community where he lived. In Kentucky, the Lexington Philharmonic Society, Suburban Bank Advisory Board, American Red Cross, Action Auction, Inc. and others. In Nashville, he served on the boards of the Nashville Chamber of Commerce, The Salvation Army, Nashville Exchange Club, Nashville City Club, The Catholic Dioceses of Tennessee, Cheekwood Estate and Gardens, Metro Tourism Commission, Metro-Nashville Arts Commission, Summer Lights Foundation, Nashville Symphony, Cumberland Museum and Science Center, First Tennessee Bank, St. Thomas Advisory Board, Sierra Club, United Way, NCCJ, Watkins Institute, Belle Meade Country Club and others.

In 1992, after sixteen years as President of Castner-Knott and forty-two years in retail, Ralph retired. While Ralph loved to work, he came to thoroughly appreciate retirement enjoying family, friends, civic involvement, golf (hole-in-one Aug. 27, 1995), travel, and spending time in Bonita Bay, Florida.

Ralph was a life-long Catholic being a member of St. Henry Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus. His spiritual journey was enriched by his participation in Cursillo. Ralph relished the company of others and was interested in everybody he met. “Where you from?” was the first thing he asked because he genuinely wanted to know. He was a perpetual optimist, always ready with a quick smile, had great sense of humor, and made friends easily. He was the consummate family man and a dedicated, loving, devoted Husband. He passed away thirty-six days after his beloved Alice. He was an encouraging, supportive and extremely proud Father who described his family as his pride and joy. His love and warmth will remain with us forever.

The Glassford family gratefully acknowledges and appreciates the loving care Ralph received from the compassionate and dedicated caregivers at Brookdale Cumberland, Alive Hospice and Dr. Richard Garman.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in his memory to the Diocese of Nashville, Alive Hospice, Salvation Army, or the charity of your choice.

Visitation will be at St. Henry Catholic Church, on Friday, November 11, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. followed immediately by a Funeral Mass at Noon. A private Committal Service will be held at Calvary Cemetery on November 12, 2022.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.marshalldonnellycombs.com for the Glassford family.