Ralph Armstrong

July 10, 1946 - November 28, 2016

Ralph A. Armstrong departed this life on November 29, 2016. Ralph was born July 10, 1946 in Bonifay , Florida to R.A. and Myrtice Armstrong. He moved to Graceville with his family at the age of 6, and he graduated from Graceville High School in 1964. He received his Associates Degree from Chipola Junior College in 1966 and married his high school sweetheart, Mary Grace Mixson. They moved to Gainesville where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Florida in 1968. He began his career as a teacher at Interlachen High School that same year and taught there for two years before coming home to Jackson County to teach at Graceville High School . He later left teaching and worked for 20 years as an inspector with the Florida Department of Agriculture. Ralph and Mary Grace entered the cattle business upon their return to Jackson County in 1970, and he continued the family cattle business until 2013. Ralph was a member of First United Methodist Church in Graceville where he sang in the choir. He was involved with the Graceville High Booster Club for many years serving as the club's President. His favorite pastime was coaching youth sports and supporting youth sports in Graceville, and he truly enjoyed the time he spent at the ballpark with the kids and young men of Graceville. Ralph is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary Grace; two sons, Rob Armstrong, his wife, Amber, Ben Armstrong, his wife, Christie; three grandchildren, Kurt, Kase and Claire; two brothers, Earl Armstrong, and his wife, Myrl Armstrong, and Harold Armstrong, his wife, Paula; a sister, Linda Allen and husband, Bill; a sister-in-law, Marie Grover; and several nieces and nephews. Celebration of His Life will be 2 p.m., Friday, December 2, 2106 at the First United Methodist Church in Graceville with Rev. Sean Rezek officiating. Burial will follow in Marvin Chapel Cemetery with James & Lipford Funeral Home in Graceville directing. Family will receive friends at First United Methodist Church, Thursday, December 1, 2016, 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers family request memorials be made to the Ken Armstrong Scholarship Fund P.O. Box 596 Graceville, FL 32440.