Ralph Bedford McLaughlin, age 73, of Dunmore, passed away Saturday, July 2, 2016, at his home.
Born July 5, 1942, in Baltimore, Maryland, he was a son of the late Everett and Minnie Rhea McLaughlin.
Ralph was a member of the Cass Masonic Lodge #124 AF & AM. He was a member of the Church of the Nazarene in Hampton, Virginia, where he drove the church bus for many years. He had worked for the C&O Railroad and the Newport News shipyard, both in Newport News, Virginia. Later, Ralph worked in the aluminum siding business before moving to Dunmore in 1978. He then worked as a crane operator at the VEPCO dam. In 1980, he worked driving truck for Inter-State Hardwoods, where he was known as “Tar Baby.” Of all the jobs Ralph held, truck driving was his passion, which he was able to do until his retirement from Inter-State Hardwoods.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Erine McLaughlin, Eddie McLaughlin and Roger McLaughlin; and two sisters, Susie Bernadini and Teri Paquet.
He is survived by his wife, Debra Strickler McLaughlin, of Dunmore; two daughters, Sherry Chestnut, and husband, Pete, Heather Hamilton, and husband, Tony, all of Dunmore; three sons, Mike McLaughlin, of Arbovale, Jeff McLaughlin, of Dunmore, and Clint Johnson, and wife, Malea, of Marlinton; two sisters, Brenda Charnick, and husband, Chuck, of Hampton, Virginia, and Alice Hall, of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina; a brother, Billy McLaughlin, of Mt. Olive; seven grandchildren, Jennifer Chestnut, Zach Chestnut, Aaron Hamilton and Olivia Hamilton, all of Dunmore, Michelle McLaughlin and Michael McLaughlin, both of Phoenix, Arizona, and Ashtin McLaughlin, of Bastian, Virginia; and two great-grandchildren, Keira McLaughlin and Abigail McLaughlin, both of Phoenix, Arizona.
Ralph was known for his big heart and willingness to help others. He never met a stranger. He is sure to be remembered by many.
In keeping with his wishes, the body was cremated. A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 9, 2 p.m. at the Dunmore United Methodist Church.
Online condolences may be made at www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com
