Ralph James Reel

Died: Jan. 1, 2013

JEFFERSON CITY -- Ralph James Reel, age 86, of New Market, passed away peacefully at his home Tuesday.

Ralph graduated from Greeneville High School and attended Tusculum College in Greeneville.

On Nov. 24, 1949, he married Sarah Conant of Rogersville.

He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Jefferson City.

He was an active member of the American Legion and served as Tennessee State Commander 1993-94 and National Vice Commander of the American Legion in 1995-96.

Ralph was also a member of the American Flag Alliance, working in Washington, D.C.

He was involved in the Civitan Club of Jefferson City.

A longtime employee of Parks Belk, Ralph also worked for the Lee Company for 24 years.

Ralph enjoyed his years working with the TSSAA officials association.

He is survived by children: Kathy (Reel) Ochenrider and husband, Rob, Ralph J. Reel Jr. "Jim" and wife, Carla, and Sandy (Reel) Linginfelter and husband, Jerry; grandchildren: Paul Ochenrider, Kaitlin Ochenrider, Rachel (Reel) and Scott Pfeiffer, Ben Reel, Heather (Reel) and Bruce Lipscombe, Jennifer (Reel) and Chris Turney, Jackson Reel, Sarah (Linginfelter) and Peter Turner, and Erica Linginfelter; and seven great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by brothers and sisters-in-law: Nola and Harley Reel and Shirley and Donald Reel.

He was preceded in death by his wife: Sarah Conant Reel; his parents: Hattie H. and Eugene R. Reel; sister: Elizabeth Reel Horton; brothers: Harry, Robert, and Fred Reel; and an infant daughter: Sarah Evelyn Reel.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. today at Farrar Funeral Home, Jefferson City, immediately followed by a memorial service.

A private interment will be held on Friday in Highland Cemetery, Rogersville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the First UM Church of Jefferson City, 2011 Branner Ave., Jefferson City, TN 37760.