Ralph J. Wimmer

Rev. Ralph J. Wimmer, Sr., Loving Husband, Father, Father-in-Law and Grandfather , age 92 of Boones Mill passed away Tuesday, March 25, 2014. He was born on December 19, 1921 a son of the late Claude A. and Nellie M. Wimmer. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Frances White, Helen Reid and Margaret Nolan; and brother, Carl Wimmer. Ralph was a graduate of Jefferson High School, received a Bachelors Degree from Roanoke College, Masters Degree in Education from VPI, Masters Degree in History from Radford College and completed the course of study for the UMC through correspondence and attended Duke Divinity School. Ralph Served his country in World War II as a member of the United States Army with an honorable discharge, he taught in Roanoke City School System, was a Professor of American History at Ferrum College for 35 years, served as Chaplain in the Boones Mill Lions Club. He was also a photographer at many weddings over the years and enjoyed taking photographs of his family, which are a treasure. One of his favorite past time hobbies was being a Beekeeper, locally known as Ralph’s Honey which many felt was the best honey in Franklin County. Ralph also loved driving for Abbott Bus for several years. He and Dot took several wonderful trips around the United States during his time as a driver. Ralph was known to so many people as an United Methodist Minister having served Bent Mountain Methodist, Catawba United Methodist, McDonald Methodist, Shiloh Methodist, New Hope Methodist and he served for 35 years at Boones Mill United Methodist. He was also a member of Isaacs Lodge #29 AF & AM of Boones Mill, Raised to Master Mason in 1965, was Worshipful Master of Isaacs Lodge #29 AF&AM in 1970 and 1997, District Deputy of 39th Masonic District in 1975 and Grand Master of Masons of Virginia in 1984. He was a member of Roanoke Valley Shrine Club, member of Kazim Shrine for 45 years and he was a 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason and Past Master. He was a member of Grand Commandery Knights Templar of Virginia. Ralph is survived by his wife Wife of 65 years, Dorothy B. Wimmer; their children, Ralph Julian Wimmer, Jr., and his wife, Claire; Jeanne Wimmer Banks and her husband, Marshall; Cyndee Wimmer Holland; Sandra Wimmer Funk and her husband, Tim; son-in-Law, Dennis Holland. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Jennifer Cribbs (Wayne), Jason Wimmer (fiance Katie), Miranda Banks, Joshua Banks, Mariah Banks, Cole Holland, Carrie Holland, Sarah Funk; two great-grandchildren, Madison Cribbs and Jordan Cribbs. The family would like to offer special thanks to Tim Funk, his son-in-law, dear friend and caregiver for Ralph, to the personnel at Pheasant Ridge Nursing & Rehab Center who were so kind to Ralph and his family during his brief stay there, hospital personnel at Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital and Roanoke Memorial Hospital, and to the members of the Boones Mill Volunteer Rescue Squad. Ralph was a wonderful and loving husband and father and his whole family will miss him so much. The family takes comfort knowing that he lived a wonderful and full 92 years of life and that he is now in Heaven with his parents and siblings and with his heavenly Father. It is also a comfort that he is no longer suffering, but has been made whole again. The family would like to thank all of those who have been praying and thinking of them and Ralph during this time. Funeral services will be conducted from Rocky Mount United Methodist Church, 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 29, 2014 with Rev. Bruce D. Tuttle officiating. Interment will follow in Mountain View Memorial Park with Masonic rites by Isaacs Lodge #29 AF & AM. The family will accept flowers or memorial contributions may be made to the building fund at Rocky Mount United Methodist Church, 35 North Main Street, Rocky Mount, Virginia 24151. Friends may call after 3 p.m. Friday, March 28, 2014 with the family receiving friends from 5 until 8 p.m. at Conner-Bowman Funeral Home and Crematory, 62 VA Market Place Drive, Route 220 at Wirtz Road, Rocky Mount…(540) 334-5151