He was born on July 26, 1925 to Beatrice Luster and Ray Darrel Fleming in the Mud Tavern community of Donelson, TN. Ralph attended and graduated from Donelson Elementary School. At Donelson High School, he was active in basketball and football. He was elected President of his Senior class and was selected for the 1945 All-Nashville football team.
In World War II, Ralph served in the Air Force as an Air Force Cadet. After which, he attended and graduated from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) where he was elected President of the Junior Class, and was also elected Captain of the Blue Raiders football team.
After college graduation, he was a high school teacher and coach. He was head football coach at Antioch High School. After coaching, he worked with Genesco, Inc. and Gulf Western Natural Resources.
Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Jackie S. Fleming; daughter, Cindy F. Bonds; son, R. Craig (Sherrie) Fleming; 6 grandchildren, Christina B. Box (Dustin), Matthew Bonds, Julie F. Cate (Matthew), Brooke F. Pilot (Brandon), Virginia and Andrew Fleming; two great-grandchildren, Katherine Box and Parker Cate; other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be held at six o’clock in the evening until eight on Wednesday, May 13, 2015 at Woodlawn Roesch-Patton Funeral Home.
Following a private graveside service a Memorial service will be held at three o’clock in the afternoon on Thursday, May 14, 2015 with a visitation one hour prior at Harpeth Hills Church of Christ, 1949 Old Hickory Blvd., Brentwood, TN 37027.
Visit the online obituary: www.woodlawn-roesch-pattonfh.com
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