On Friday, May 6, 2016, Ralph Lee Sheets, age 87, left this earth to be with his bride, Peg. Ralph passed away peacefully in his favorite chair at his home in Jackson, Ohio. He was the second child born to Webster and Hazel (Campbell) Sheets on November 1, 1928 in Gallia County, Ohio. To this union was born a sister, Marcella Sandel and a brother, Sherley Sheets, all of whom preceded him in death.
Ralph lost his mother at a very early age. His father married Brookie Halley and to this union was born the following siblings: Raymond Sheets of Florida, Morris (Jenny) Sheets of Gallipolis, Ohio, Hazel Brumfield of Crown City, Ohio, and Danny Sheets of Gallipolis, Ohio. With the help of his late uncle, Clarence and aunt, Maude Campbell, Ralph was raised in Mercerville, Ohio. He attended Mercerville School where he graduated in 1946. Upon graduation, Ralph joined the United States Marine Corp. After the Marines, he became a State Highway Patrolman and that is where he met the love of his life. Ralph and Margaret “Peg” Weiher were united in marriage on December 25, 1954 in Gallipolis, Ohio. They had 53 wonderful years together and he always called her his bride.
Ralph had many careers in his life. He sold cars for Belville Motor Cars in Logan, Ohio, Sheets Chevy, Olds, and Buick in Peebles, Ohio and Sheets Pontiac, Olds, Buick, GMC in Jackson, Ohio. He was employed with Appalachia Realty till the time of his death. Ralph was a 50-year member of the F. & A. M. Masons of Gallipolis, Ohio and a lifetime member of The American Legion.
He is survived by his children: Edna (Paul) Rickard of Chillicothe, Ohio, Scott Sheets (Rhonda Baker) of Jackson, Ohio, and Peg’s daughter, Sandy (Alford) Sellers of Columbus, Ohio; grandchildren: Brandon Sheets of Jackson, Ohio, Lauren Rickard (fiance, Brandon Runyon) of New Carlisle, Ohio, and Alford Jr. and Cicly Sellers both of Columbus, Ohio; great-grandson, Rowland Runyon; great-granddaughter, Mariyah Sellers; his little pal, McKinlee Lizon; and his dear friend, Nea Henry.
He was preceded in death by his bride, Peg Sheets on March 8, 2008 and son-in-law, Mark Rickard.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, May 11, 2016 from 4 to 8 p.m. with Masonic Services at 7:30 conducted by Trowel Lodge #0132 F. & A. M. at the Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home of Jackson. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 12, 2016 at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Tim Keeton officiating. Friends and family can meet for a graveside service with military honors at 3 p.m. at Ridgelawn Cemetery in Mercerville, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to: First Baptist Church of Jackson, Sheets Memorial Donations, 35 Broadway Street, Jackson, OH 45640. Online condolences may be sent to www.lewisgillumfuneralhomes.com