Ralph Dean Howard

After an honest and God-loving life, Ralph Dean Howard, 66, of Strawberry Plains, TN, died on April 3, 2016. Ralph was born on October 13, 1949 in Knoxville, TN, the son of Ray L. (deceased) and mother Mary Carolyn. He grew up on the family farm in Strawberry Plains, was active in 4-H and was a promising artist. While serving in the Coast Guard Reserve, he earned a degree in Agriculture at the University of Tennessee. He began his working career at Stokely-Van Camp in Newport. He married his soul mate Martha Shrader on March 24, 1972 and they had one daughter, Jessica (Chris) Ennis. In 1976, he bravely fought and survived Hodgkin’s lymphoma after receiving 45 mantles of radiation. Until his death, he navigated multiple long-term effects of cancer with humor, dignity and positivity. They lived and worked in Nashville from 1981 to 1999 before returning to Strawberry Plains. Ralph sold real estate for the past 29 years and owned/operated RDH Services, LLC, since 1999. Ralph was a dedicated and loving son, husband, father and grandfather. He cherished his grandchildren Reed and Dean. He enjoyed spending time on Hilton Head Island, maintaining the family farm and painting. In addition to his mother, wife, daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren, he is survived by several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and his life-long friend Gary Lee. Ralph requested to be cremated. Friends and family will be received at First United Methodist Church of Jefferson City from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 9, where he was a member. Services will be held immediately after, with Pastor Ron Ramsey officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cancer Research Institute (national) and the American Heart Association.