Ralph Cecil Ferrell Sr.

What a man likes is a day away from things, a blue sky and a body of water. The west wind gently blowing, for when the fishing’s sure, a friend to share the glory with, and when the fish has taken the lure. Ralph Cecil Ferrell, Sr., was an avid outdoorsman who loved to fish and hunt. Just as the trees teach us acceptance when the leaves die in the fall, Ralph Ferrell passed away suddenly at his home in Crawfordville, Florida, on January 26, 2017. Like the old stones that suffer with memory, may we learn renewal like the seeds that rise in the spring. Ralph was born in Hayesville, North Carolina, on July 23, 1941, to the late Clinton Lamar and Hettie (Beal) Ferrell. He spent his early years in Tallahassee, Florida, and graduated from Leon High School in 1960. He joined the Air Force to see the world and was stationed at Eglin Air Force Base! During this time, he married Patricia Ireland from Tallahassee and from this union they had a son, Ralph Cecil Ferrell, Jr. (better known to us as Bo). After his honorable discharge, he returned to Tallahassee, Florida, and began his 35+ year career with the Florida Department of Revenue and retired in 2003. After retirement, his new passion became golf and he enjoyed the beauty and challenge of the game. He also made a Hole in One at the Hilaman Golf Course which was documented by his golfing buddies, Jeff Jansen, Harry Symons, and John Holgan. Ralph is a Past Exalted Ruler of Tallahassee Elks Lodge #937. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Julia Montford Ferrell, and three sons: Bo (wife, Brenda, and sons Cody [Shelby] and Dillon and great grandson Carter); Scott (wife, Mandy, and daughters Laila, Madalyn, and Harli); and Grayson (wife, Jennifer, and daughters Emma and Abigail). He is also survived by his sister, Donni (Vernon) Drawdy of Clermont, Florida; brother-in-law, Tommy D. Montford of Beacon Hill, Florida; and sister-in-law, Judi (Donnie) Sellers of Beacon Hill, Florida. He also leaves behind his beloved nieces and nephews: Debbie (Joe) Akos; Trip (Elyse) Drawdy; Diane (Edmond) Millar; Clint (Jennifer) Drawdy; Jayce Sellers; Rod (Samantha) Sellers; Jillian Sellers; Keefe Sellers; and Barrett (Melissa) Sellers. Relatives and friends are invited to join the Ferrell family to remember a father, grandfather, great grandfather, and brother; pay tribute to the thrill of the hunt and big catch and to celebrate virtue, diligence, and brotherly love at Ralph’s Life of Celebration on Sunday, February 5, 2017, between 2:00 and 4:00 pm at the Tallahassee Elks Lodge (276 North Magnolia Drive, Tallahassee, Florida 32301). No flowers are requested but donations may be made in his memory to the Harry Anna Trust Fund, c/o Tallahassee Elks Lodge #937. Todd Wahlquist of Bevis Funeral Home, is assisting the Ferrell family with their arrangements. 850-385-2193, www.bevisfh.com

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Ralph Cecil Ferrell Sr.

July 23, 1941 - January 26, 2017