Ralph Chumley Obituary, Death – Ralph Clifford Chumley, 84, of Vinton, Va., died on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, surrounded by his children, and went to be with his Lord and Savior. Clifford and Laura Chumley gave birth to him on April 8, 1939, in Hurt, Virginia. Ralph was raised on the tobacco farm as one of 13 children. “See ya!” Ralph’s farewell words to everyone. He fully expected you to join him in Heaven if you said “See ya” to him.
For 56 years, Ralph Chumley was a loving and dedicated husband to Mary Alice Chumley. His parents, wife, Mary, sons Dwayne and Clint, siblings Carl and Billy Ray, and sisters Penny, Bobbie, Tootsie, and Teeny predeceased him. For 58 years, he was the owner and operator of Citizens Upholstery and Furniture Company in Vinton, Virginia. Ralph had many employees working for him in the business over the years, which contributed in the expansion of his business. Jessy Gira, the most recent employee, brought a ray of light to the business, and he was grateful to her.
Ralph served as an elder and trustee at New Hope Christian Church for 50 years, as well as as a State Representative and on the Executive Board of the Woodmen of the World (WOW). Ralph was a big fan of bluegrass music. On Saturdays, he and Mary performed with “Leon Richardson and the Bluegrass Gospel Singers,” who were broadcast on a local Bluegrass radio station. Ralph had numerous interests and pleasures, but his family, church family, and customers were everything to him.
He is survived by his children, Kim Rosa and Don of Watsonville, California, Cliff Chumley and Jennifer of Roanoke, Virginia, and Paige O’Leary and Tim of Blythewood, South Carolina; his grandchildren, Joseph, Ann, Janelle, Kristy, Nicole, Evan, Joshua, Lori, Jenna, Kenny, Emma, and Jacob; and his great-grandchildren, Trenton, Myra, Bauer, Hudson, Sutton, and Leah. Ralph is also survived by numerous brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews who will miss him greatly.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to all of the family, church families, and friends who helped us through this terrible time. We would also like to thank the staff at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital’s Palliative Care Unit for the compassionate care you provided Ralph and our family. God bless everyone for their love and support. We will commemorate Ralph with a visitation on Thursday, June 8, 2023, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8:30 p.m., and on Friday, June 9, 2023, from 1 to 2 p.m.
At New Hope Christian Church, 4229 Welcome Valley Road, Roanoke, VA. On Friday, June 9, 2023, at 2 p.m., a Celebration of Life will be held at New Hope Christian Church. The Chumley Family Cemetery, 3609 Roark Mill Road, Hurt, VA, will host a Graveside Service at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 10, 2023. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.Oakeys.com. Oakey’s Funeral Service – Vinton Chapel, Vinton, VA (540) 982-2221, is in charge of arrangements.