Ralph Milton Sanderson

Ralph Milton Sanderson passed away peacefully at his home at the age of 80 on April 18, 2023. He was born on September 9, 1942 to Milton Elmo Sanderson and Mable Huddleston Sanderson in Ripley, MS. He was a graduate of Centre School in Ripley, MS and served in the National Guard Army for 6 years. During his life, he was employed at Ripley Shoe Products, Empire Gas and later retired as a local traveling salesman for Brown Wholesale Company in Ripley, MS. He worked until his condition, Muscular Dystrophy, disabled him. He was a faithful member of Whittentown Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon and Sunday School teacher for over 50 years. He also served on the Board of Directors for Carroll Roberson Ministries for 20 years. As a devout Christian, he will be remembered for his never ending faith in Jesus Christ. He loved his family dearly and also had a love for Bluegrass, Gospel, and country music. While he was able, he enjoyed frequently visiting the Grand Ole Opry, the Great Smoky Mountains and Branson, MO. In his later years, he enjoyed "playing" on his tractor and riding his Ranger side-by-side in the community. He also never missed a good basketball game on tv. Ralph is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 56 years, Margie Jean Luna Sanderson; one son: Mike Sanderson (Gina) of Ripley, MS; one daughter: Robin Sanderson Lence (David Allen) of Ripley, MS; four grandchildren: Riley Sanderson (Brittany Anderson), Mallory Sanderson, Dawson Lence (Callie), Macon Lence Hood (Brady); two great-grandchildren: Lucas Sanderson, Rylan Sanderson. He is preceded in death by his parents; one brother: Jerry Sanderson; one grandson: Ryan Sanderson. Special thanks to: Dr. Dwaila South, Legacy Hospice, Teresa Teran, Ashley Hill. Officiating will be: Bro. Carroll Roberson, Dr. Jack Bennett, Bro. Dewayne Floyd. Pallbearers will be: Riley Sanderson, Dawson Lence, Brady Hood, Jimmy Huddleston, Bruce Haynes, Shane Sanderson, Ron Sanderson. Honorary Pallbearers are: Vernice Clemmer, Roy Ralph, Larry Freeman, Roger Sanderson, Stan Roberson, Earl "Roscoe" Watkins, and the Men of Whittentown Baptist Church. Memorials can be sent to: The Muscular Dystrophy Association: www.mda.org/ways-to-give and/or Whittentown Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to: Whittentown Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, (c/o Sandra Benefield) or The Peoples Bank, P.O. Drawer 419, Ripley, MS 38663.

Ralph Milton Sanderson

September 9, 1942 - April 18, 2023