Ralph W. McEwen

Published 8:38 am Monday, February 8, 2016

Ralph W. McEwen, 90, of Butler, went home to be with his Lord on Thursday, February 4, 2016, at Sycamore Shoals Hospital with his family by his side. Ralph was born in Johnson County, Tenn., to the late Jacob Wade McEwen and Ida Lee Lowe McEwen. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers and three sisters.
Ralph retired from North American Rayon Corporation after 45 years of service. He was a member of Cobbs Creek Baptist Church, where in the past he served as a Deacon and taught Sunday School. He was a very hard-working man; he farmed, raised cattle, was an extraordinary gardener and was known as the “Tomato King” because he grew the best tomatoes! Family was important to Mr. McEwen. He was a very loving and devoted husband and father, and his extended family also played an important role in his life.
Ralph loved the outdoors and gardening and he loved his wife June’s cooking so much! He loved being at home and believed in hard work.
Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 70 years, June McEwen, of the home; a daughter, Linda McEwen Cole and husband Harold, of Johnson City; a granddaughter, Rebecca Cole Allen and husband Rusty, of Raleigh, N.C.; a grandson, Chandler Allen, who was the light of his life, of Raleigh, N.C.; a sister, Kate Arrants-Stermer, of Butler; and two special nephews, Dennis Stout, of Winchester, Va., and Frank Murray, of Stoney Creek. Several nieces and nephews and special neighbors and friends, Jack Slemp, Kenny Lahman, Eric Matherly, Junior McQueen and Carolyn Lyon, also survive.
A graveside service to honor the life of Ralph W. McEwen will be conducted at 3:30 p.m. Monday, February 8, at Happy Valley Memorial Park with Rev. Buddy Street and Rev. A.J. Potter officiating. Active pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 2:30 p.m. Monday in the chapel of Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at the funeral home following the visitation service to go in procession to the cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 2:30 p.m. Monday in the chapel of Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, prior to the graveside service. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the nursing staff on the 3rd floor of Sycamore Shoals Hospital and also to Dr. David Moulton, for the love and care shown to Ralph. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers, may make donations to the American Heart Association, 3101 Browns Mill Road, Johnson City, TN 37604; or to the Samaritan’s Purse, 801 Bamboo Road, Boone, NC 28607, in honor of Ralph. Online condolences may be shared with the family at our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.
Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is serving the McEwen family. Office: (423) 542-2232. Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917.