Ralph Walden Blevins, age 82, of Crossville, went to be with the Lord on October 5, 2023. He was born July 5, 1941 to the late Walden Ervin and Callie Katherine (Walker) Blevins. He Is survived by his two daughters; Kris King (Rush), of Knoxville, TN; and Kim Barnett (John), of Thomson, GA. He is also survived by his sisters; Margie Kaylor, Faye Hall, and Joyce Ceraolo as well as his granddaughters Callie Ann Barnett, Anna Fulmer, Ashley Woods, Jaclyn Evans and Audrey McAlpine and great grandchildren Belle Fulmer, Emma Lou Fulmer, Lucas Woods, Shea Mills and Grace McAlpine. Ralph is also survived by many nieces and nephews with special mention of Ronnie Farley who was like a son to him and special family friend Debbie Tollett who took such wonderful care of him in his last year.

Ralph was proceeded in death by his loving wife, Betty Jo “Joy” (née Garrison) Blevins, of almost 60 years. He was also proceeded in death by his brothers Russel Blevins, Herbert Blevins and Charles Blevins and his sisters Bessie Janow, Ruby Goodwin, Ethel Mize, Annie Gravett and Barbara Jean Blevins. 

Ralph joined the Marine Corp when he was 17 where he soon became a member of the elite Marine Recon unit. He quickly distinguished himself as a sharpshooter which was in part due to growing up hunting rabbits and squirrels to help feed his family. He served his country with distinction and honor. He seldom spoke of the life changing events he experienced but on rare occasions recounted the dark days of being a leader during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He met and married the love of his life on July 18, 1961 and they raised two daughters to respect God, country and family. 

Ralph joined TVA as a groundman trainee and eventually became the Superintendent of TVA Power Construction, helping make sure that electricity was available to Tennessee and the surrounding states. He was an avid fisherman and he went crappy fishing and camping with his family every chance he had. He loved his dogs and eventually he found a terrier he named Scooter from the Crossville Humane Society who loved to fish as much as Ralph did. They were inseparable until Scooter’s last day. 

Ralph always had a great sense of humor even though sometimes he tried to hide it, but the twinkle in his eyes always gave him away. He had a story for every situation and lots of entertaining anecdotes with which to entertain everyone. He did so many things to help others in need over the years but would never let anyone tell it. He said he tried to help others because he remembered how hard it had been for his mom growing up as he was only 7 when his dad died. He just wanted to make life a little easier and brighter for those in need. One time a young couple bought a lawnmower from him. He didn’t make any money on it but when he saw their sweet little girl, he gave them part of the money back after making her parents promise to buy her some new clothes for school. That’s just who he was. He was a tough Marine on the outside, but a teddy bear on the inside. He will be greatly missed.

There with be a graveside service with military honors conducted by Crossville Memorial Funeral Home on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, at 2:00pm cst at the City Cemetery. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, any donations be made either to the Crossville Humane Society or to UT Medical Center Comfort Care / Hospice.