Ralph Emerson Andrews Sr.

Age 88

Ocala, Fl passed away June 13, 2026 surrounded by loving family.

Born in North Scituate, RI on April 1,1938

He joined the Merchant Marines at age 15 and then left home at 17 (1955) to join the Air Force. After Basic training he was stationed at MacDill, AFB in Tampa FL. He was an Engine Aircraft Mechanic of a KC-97 and in 1957 he went on a blind date where he met the love of his life, Jean Jones, and 5 weeks later married her on May 19, 1957.

At the age of 19 he received Christ as his Lord and Savior in a revival meeting in Saint Petersburg, FL and shortly thereafter felt called to preach. Ralph then felt led to reach military members with the Gospel and worked to that end by attending college and seminary. In 1970 he was then accepted back into the Air Force as a Chaplain where he served for 20 years.

Following his service in the Air Force, he became a prison Chaplain in the state of Florida for 13 years.

The greatest desire of Ralph’s life was to know Christ and to make him known. He touched many lives over the course of his life and was known in the Chaplaincy as a peace maker. Through the years he has pastored Churches in Pinellas Park and Cross City, FL as well as acting as a supply and interim pastor to many churches.

Ralph was preceded in death by his first daughter, parents, and two brothers. He was survived by his wife of 69 years Erma Jean (Jones) Andrews; Daughter Brenda Andrews; Son Ralph Andrews, Jr. and wife Deborah; Son David Andrews and wife Sabrina; as well as 8 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Although he is now missed by all those he knew, his joy is complete, he is walking face to face with Christ and we know this is not goodbye but rather “see you later”.

Public Visitation will be held at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 5740 South Pine Ave, Ocala, FL 34480, US, on June 26, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm, followed by a Celebration of Life at the same location from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and Military Honors from 4:00 pm to 4:30 pm.