Ralph Charles Caldwell

RALPH CHARLES CALDWELL, age 93, of New Market, TN died on July 14, 2009 at his home. Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma Caldwell, in 2007. He was born in New Market and graduated from New Market High School in 1931. He completed studies at Knoxville Business College and served in the US Navy during World War II. He started his own business, Construction Services Co. in Knoxville in 1946 and held interests in several other local businesses. After retirement in 1981, he concentrated on working the family farm, raising purebred Polled Herefords, as well as excellent and unusual varieties of garden vegetables (which he loved giving away to friends). He enjoyed fishing and being at area lakes. He had been an active member of Fountain City Sportsmen?s Club since its foundation. He loved cats and provided homes for several plain and special ones over the years. Ralph was extremely active in the Presbyterian Church, where he was a member of Fountain City Presbyterian Church. He served over the years as Youth Leader along with Thelma, Sunday School teacher for over 60 years of the Good Fellowship Class at the church, and in various capacities in the Presbytery, Synod, and General Assembly. Ralph was very proud of his years of service in the Knoxville Downtown Rotary Club where he held the International record for perfect attendance at almost 60 years. He also attended and enjoyed meetings with the Jefferson City and Morristown Rotary Clubs. Ralph is survived by two sons, Gene Caldwell and wife, Ginny Smith of Cumming GA, Tommy Caldwell and wife, Patty of Bristol, TN; and two granddaughters, Karen Caldwell of Gallatin, TN and Susan Caldwell of Cincinnati, OH. Funeral service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Saturday evening, July 18, 2009 at Fountain City Presbyterian Church with Rev. Max Ruddick, Rev. Sean White and Dr. Bill Wadsworth officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:30 until 7:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church. Family and friends will gather at 3:15 p.m. Sunday afternoon at New Market Cemetery for a 3:30 p.m. graveside interment service. For those who prefer, memorial gifts can be made to the cause of your choice or to Fountain City Presbyterian Church, 500 Hotel Road, Knoxville, Tn 37918. Arrangements by Farrar Funeral Home in Jefferson City, TN (865) 475-3892 www.farrarfuneralhome.com