Green, Ralph V.

7/5/1932 ~ 5/21/2008 The Reverend Ralph Green died Wednesday, May 21, 2008, in Gainesville, Ga.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers. He is survived by his wife, Yvonne Green; daughter, Ravonne Green; and son, Garry Green. Also surviving are sister, Harriet Rogers; and brother, James Green.

Reverend Green was born in Morganton, N.C., and graduated from Brosville High School in Broswell, Va. Following high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where his tours of duty took him from Cheyenne, Wyo., and finally Germany where he remained the majority of his military term. It was during his stay in Germany that he became fascinated with Mercedes Benz and would repair and restore many in his lifetime. He also became intrigued with the German cameras. Photography would prove to be a lifelong passion. He earned the Occupation Medal, Good Conduct Medal and National Defense Service Medal while in the Air Force.

Following an honorable discharge with honors from the U.S.A.F., he attended Emmanuel College in Franklin Springs, Ga. He continued his education at Eastern Mennonite Seminary in Harrisonburg, Va. Following college he met his bride of fifty-one years and was never far from her side.

His next lifelong decision was to abandon a budding real estate career and go into the ministry. He was ordained into the Pentecostal Holiness Conference where he served in multiple pastoral positions throughout Virginia including Floyd, Hot Springs and Shenandoah where he pastored the majority of his life before retiring to Georgia only to come out of retirement and accept a position at a church in Gainesville, Ga.

He remained an avid reader throughout his life and enjoyed a morning crossword puzzle. His passion in life however was spreading the good news of Christ, and providing prayer and compassion to anyone in need. The predominate themes of his messages were love and grace. His life exemplified these themes. He breathed his last conscious breath with his Bible in hand. His legacy is evidenced by the lives he has touched.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 24, 2008, at New Life Temple Pentecostal Holiness Church with Bishop Kenneth Kingrea, the Rev. Walter Wood and the Rev. David Bain officiating. The family will receive friends from 12 noon until service time at the church.

A graveside service will be conducted at 4:30 p.m. Saturday in the Appalachain Conference Cemetery, Dublin, Va. The family requests that memorials be made to the Gideon Memorial Bible Program. Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home, 540-366-0707.