J. Ralph White (86) bravely fought pancreatic cancer for several months before succumbing to this tragic disease on December 13, 2024.  Known as Ralph to many and Popeye to his family, he will be missed greatly by his wife Jo of 62 years, children Jim (Annette), Kendall (Bobby), and Kelly, his grandchildren Jesse, Austin, and Sierra, and his 13 nieces and nephews.

Ralph was born in Hertford, NC to the late Jacob L. and Artemesia Towe White.  He was predeceased in death by his older sisters Mary and Peggy and older brothers Jake, Joe, Charles and Frank.

Ralph grew up working on the family farm and graduating Perquimans High School in 1957.  He then served his country in the Army for 2 years before going to East Carolina University where he graduated in 1963.

Ralph and Jo met at the Outer Banks, NC and were married in 1962.  Although Ralph loved to travel the world, his favorite place was the Outer Banks where yearly family vacations were held.

Ralph and Jo moved to Hampton, VA in 1963 where Ralph began his career with Sears and then State Farm Insurance retiring after 30+ years of service.  The family joined the First United Methodist Church in Hampton due to being a relative of the Eason family.  He held numerous volunteer jobs at the church during his 60-year membership.

Ralph was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother and will be greatly missed. He was a previous cancer survivor and loved going to his Friday ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eat Out) breakfasts.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First United Methodist Church, 110 East Queen Street, Hampton VA, 23669.

A memorial service will be held at the church on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 2 p.m. with a reception following in the fellowship hall.

The only request of Ralph is that he wanted to end his obituary with his favorite song…  The Cowboy Rides Away.  "Oh, the last goodbye's the hardest one to say, this is where the cowboy rides away."