Ralph Spiller Jr.

Chief Warrant Officer (Ret.) Ralph H. Spiller, Jr, 82 of Ocala, went home to be with the Lord on November 21, 2024, following a long illness. Ralph was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving for 20 years. During his time in the Navy, not only did he serve with distinction, receiving serval military commendations, but his compassion for people led him invest in others, helping his fellow service members with both addiction recovery and as a lay leader for his ship’s squadron.

After completion of his Navy service, he continued with serving others. He graduated from Baptist Bible Institute and served as a pastor to several churches throughout Florida and as a chaplain in the Florida prison system. He eventually earned his advanced degrees in counseling and went on to help those of all ages. Ralph retired from counseling in 2013.

Ralph was loved by his many friends and enjoyed spending time with them in fellowship and Bible study. He loved his wife, Barbara, to whom he was married for 60 years. Together they had two daughters, Wendi McKeone, of Ocala and Angie Samples, of Lakeland. He is also survived by his sisters, Judy Pepper of New Hampshire and Nancy Wasson, of Maine, as well as two brothers Barry Spiller and Jeff Spiller, also of Maine. In addition, he is survived by six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

A visitation service will be held December 3, 2024, from 3:00 – 4:00, followed by a celebration of life with military honors at 4:00. Ralph will be laid to rest on December 4, 2024 in a private family ceremony at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks friends to make donations to the Wounded Warriors Project or to the Alzheimer’s Association.