Ralph Ernest Ham of Lebanon died suddenly of natural causes at 72. He is survived by his beloved partner, Pam Eatherly, siblings Bill Ham of Lebanon and Sally Govan (Pat) of Murfreesboro, and Kip Eatherly of Louisville and his family. He was predeceased by his parents, Elizabeth "Bette" Ham and Ernest "Ernie" Ham. A graduate of Castle Heights Military Academy and the University of Tennessee with teaching certification from Middle Tennessee State University, Ralph never met a stranger and enjoyed exchanging witty banter with everyone he encountered. Perhaps it was best expressed by the acquaintance who once saw Ralph enter the room and exclaimed: "I love that man, I love that man comin' in that door!"

Ralph loved his rescue dogs. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Country K-9 Rescue, 116 Rocky Road, Lebanon, TN 37087.

LIGON & BOBO FUNERAL HOME of Lebanon (615) 444-2142   www.ligonbobo.com