RALPH ELY (JACK) McSPADDEN

Ralph Ely (Jack) McSpadden, age 90 of Dandridge was born December 20, 1927. He entered into his eternal home with friends and family on October 9, 2018.

Ralph’s parents were Samuel Ely McSpadden and Ersie Franklin McSpadden. He grew up in the Shady Grove area of Dandridge where he joined the Navy at the age of 17 and was a veteran of World War II, American Theater, serving from 1945 to 1948. During this time in the Navy, he served two years aboard the LST 803 visiting many South Pacific islands. During this time aboard the LST, the crew encountered a typhoon on the open seas. In 1948, he served aboard the USS Skagit 105 as storekeeper Third Class where the crew made a memorable trip to Point Barrow, Alaska.

Most of his working career was with American Enka/BASF where he retired from the Maintenance Department. Ralph was a member of the French Broad Baptist Church in Dandridge and was previously a member of George Street United Methodist Church in Jefferson City.
Ralph was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years; Norma Lunce McSpadden, his daughter; Jackie Anita McSpadden and his parents listed above, sisters; Janette Harmon, Doris Hill and Maxine Tompkins, and brothers; Ramon, Spencer, Frank and Kent McSpadden.
Ralph is survived by his son, Rex Alan McSpadden, grandson; Alan (Rebecca) McSpadden, granddaughter; Sara McSpadden, great grandchildren Jacob and Katie McSpadden and Caden and Ryan Metzger, sisters in-law; Helen McSpadden and Barbara McSpadden, and several special nieces and nephews and numerous friends.

Memorial service will be held, Sunday, October 14, 2018, 4:00pm at Farrar Funeral Home Chapel in Dandridge with Rev. Darrell Chambers officiating. Family will receive friends Sunday from 2:00 to 4:00pm prior to service. In lieu of flowers it is requested that memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101.