WILLIAMS, Ralph F. - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

Ralph F. Williams, 83, passed away on April 1, 2013 at Whitlock House in Crawfordsville, following a battle with cancer. He was born on Feb. 11, 1930 to Bruce and Lucille (Schrader) Williams, both deceased. Ralph graduated as valedictorian of his class from Waveland High School in 1948. In 1952 he graduated Summa Cum Laude from Wabash College, and was selected as a member of Phi Beta Kappa, a liberal arts academic honor society. He served the next two years in the United States Army, 7th Infantry Division, stationed overseas in Korea. He was awarded a United Nations Service Medal, a National Defense Service Medal and a Korean Service Ribbon with two Bronze Service Stars. Following his return to the states in 1954, Ralph began teaching English, speech, and Latin at Waveland High School until it closed. Then he became a member of the initial faculty at Southmont High School. He also enrolled in classes at Indiana State University, earning a Master's Degree in English and Library Science. A few years later, he joined the teaching staff at Turkey Run High School, retiring in 1992. Ralph served many years as chairperson of English departments and directed numerous school plays and speech contests. He assisted athletic programs, serving at various times as announcer, timer and scorekeeper. Memberships included Browns Valley Christian Church and Phi Delta Kappa. Ralph's passions in life were teaching, working in his garden, traveling in western United States and reading. Ralph is survived by three brothers; and one sister, Dr. Edwin Williams of Crawfordsville, Harold (Jeanne) Williams of Crawfordsville, Janet (Rev. Phillip) Hodgkin of Richmond and Dr. Larry (Phyllis) Williams of Noblesville; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He is preceded in death by a sister, Lillian (Frank) Miller is deceased. Friends and family can pay their respects from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 4, 2013 at Machledt and Servies Funeral Home in Waveland. Funeral services, officiated by the Rev. Phillip Hodgkin will begin at 1 p.m. followed by interment at Old Union Cemetery at Waveland.