J. C. (Jerry Charles) Ralph, of Springville, AL, was born on March 10, 1940, at Marshall Medical Center to Albert and Evie Mooney Ralph. He was the last of 7 children who have all proceeded him in death: sister Francis Ralph Oden, brothers Willard Ralph, Willis Ralph, Lester Ralph, Junior Ralph, Donald Ralph and a grandson Harrison Hayes Weaver.

He met and fell in love with Brenda K. Ralph, and they married on April 17, 1993. They had 33 years together spending time laughing, loving and sharing their love with their children; Adrianne Ralph McGuire (Richard), Sondra Cox Heath (Lee), and Michelle Cox Leopard (Kelly), grandchildren Kerby Smith Blackmon (Michael), Kelli Smith Weaver (Blake), Kalen Lee Smith, Robert Andrew Smith, Jordan Lee Heath (Tiffany), John Woodrow Leopard, Joshua Baine Leopard and great-grandchildren Jack Riley Weaver, Payton Kellett Weaver, Hudson James Weaver, Barrett Blake Weaver, Emery Elizabeth Heath and Lucy Lee Heath.

J.C. was an alumnus of Athen State College, Athen, Alabama. After graduating in 1964, he taught history and was the Head Basketball Coach at Elkmont High School, Elkmont, Alabama for two years. He moved to Fort Payne, Alabama in 1966 and took a position of Basketball Coach for Fort Payne High School, as well as continuing his teaching career. After he left coaching, his love for basketball continued and as such, he became a local referee for surrounding areas in Dekalb County, Alabama.

In 1969, J.C. took a position with Farm Bureau Insurance as a claims adjuster, which he thoroughly enjoyed because the adjuster position allowed him to meet many people along his travels. He was promoted to District Manager and then to Regional Manager with Alfa Insurance. He thrived, alongside his many agents, with Alfa Insurance and received many accolades and awards as an Outstanding Manager. J.C. retired in 2008 and began serving the Lord at Springville Methodist Church in multiple positions, as well as his community. He also served for many years on the First State Bank board where he loved serving the people of DeKalb County.

J.C. was most commonly known as ‘Grandad’ to his friends and family; the job of grandad was his favorite. He was a kind, big-hearted man who loved nothing more than spending time with those he loved. Everyone who knew him always walked away with laughter and joy because he was huge joke and storyteller; he found humor in practically every situation. He was quite the character and will be missed by his friends and family.

The family would like to thank Haskle Lee and Nathan Simmons for their friendship and helping take care of Granddad. We would also like to thank Dr. Steven Hwang, his staff and the ladies that attended to him with the most excellent care (Joe Wilkes) at Grandview Medical Center. Additionally, we want to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice Southerncare New Beacon for their care and comfort they provided Granddad and his family.

Services will be held on July 23, 2026 at Springville Methodist Church with visitation starting at 10 am, service at 11 am and graveside will follow at Jefferson Memorial Cemetery.

Family will accept flowers or donations to Springville Methodist Church. If you would like to leave a favorite story or experience of J.C., please leave it on Jefferson Memorial Memory page.