Chief Warrant Officer 3 (Retired), Ralph Edward Saylor Sr. passed away at the Johnson City Medical Center on July 11, 2014, at 4:30 a.m. He was born Oct. 2, 1940, in Elizabethton to the late Earl Loyd Saylor Sr. and Lydia Emaline Crain Saylor. Besides the time spent in the military service, Ralph remained in Washington County for most of his life.
Ralph Saylor was a seventh-generation descendant of Gov. John Sevier and Sarah Hawkins Sevier and a seventh-generation descendant of Sheriff Jonathon Pugh.
Ralph was a graduate of Elizabethton High School and the U.S. Army Aviation School. He was of the Christian faith, a Master Mason and life member of Silverdale Lodge #311, Bremerton, Wash. Ralph also coached football in the local area and the military.
During the 23 years of serving his country, Ralph Saylor accomplished many things. He was a pilot for Colin Powell in Vietnam, built ultra light aircraft, and was awarded the following medals: Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, Armed Forces Reserves Medal, Good Conduct Medal 3D Award, National Defense Service Medal, Aircraft Crewman Badge, Army Aviator Badge, Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Campaign Stars, RVN Campaign Medal with 60 Device, RVN Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.
Ralph is survived by his fiancée, Carol Fargason; sons, Ralph Edward Saylor Jr and Charles William Saylor; sister, Elizabeth and husband, Rondal Lovelace of Johnson City; brother, Earl Loyd Saylor Jr. of Bremerton, Wash.; two grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; three nieces; one nephew; and his beloved faithful pet companion, Andy, the Boston terrier.
At Ralph’s request, the family had him cremated. He will be interred with military honors on Tuesday, July 15, 2014, at the Veterans Administration National Cemetery of Mountain Home at 1:45 p.m. Military honors are being provided by the Kingsport American Legion.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to the charity of your choice or to Paws for Veterans, 1900 South Harbor City Blvd., Suite 106, Melbourne, FL 32901 www.pawsforveterans.com
Online condolences can be made at www.snydersmemorialgardens.com
Snyder’s Memorial Gardens is proudly serving the Saylor family.