Ralph H. Williams Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Ralph H. Williams, 88, of Paradise Valley, passed away on May 20, 2022 at Lehigh Valley Hospice House with his loving family by his side. Born in Skytop, PA he was the son of Wilton and Laura (Bender) Williams. Ralph was the beloved husband of Betty J. (DePue) Williams, with whom he shared 68 years of marriage. Ralph honorably served his county in the United States Army. Ralph and Betty graduated together from Barrett High School as sweethearts, and their love continued to grow over the next 71 years. Ralph was an outstanding athlete excelling in basketball, golf, and especially as a baseball catcher and was scouted by several MLB teams. Born and raised in Skytop, he began working on the golf course as a caddy at the age of nine. He continued working on the golf course until he was drafted and served in the United States Army. Ralph and Betty lived in Louisiana during his time in the service. He received his Honorable Discharge and continued working at Skytop on the golf course and in all phases of their winter sports activities until accepting a position at Met-Ed as a heavy equipment operator, until his retirement. Ralph was an active member of Keokee Chapel, where he held several positions and enjoyed singing in the choir. Ralph was also a member of the Pocono Paradise Men's Club, Brothers of the Brush, Pocono Lodge #780 F. A. and M (Masons), St. Paul's Seniors and the Paradise Historical Society. Ralph's hobbies included all sports, hunting and fishing, horseshoes, camping and eagle watching at Promised Land, traveling with Betty, his brothers and their wives. He was quite the storyteller and loved mowing on the back of his John Deere tractor. Ralph was a kind and loving man … a gentle giant. He supported and attended all of his childrens', grandchildrens' and great-grandchildrens' many games and activities, always giving them pointers. He passed down his love of the outdoors to all. In addition to his beloved wife Betty, Ralph will be lovingly remembered by his daughters, Lori Funk (Howard) of Cresco and Linda Bruno (Charlie) of Saylorsburg. He was the cherished "Poppa Bear" to his grandchildren, Michael Myers (Krista) of Montrose, Erik Funk of Cresco, and Molly Franey (Austin) of St. Cloud, FL. "Poppa Bear" was also adored by his great-grandchildren Jamison, Graydon and Emalyn Myers, Beckett Franey, and Lainey and Mya Bruno. Ralph is also survived by his sisters-in-laws Nancy Dailey (Sam) of Marshalls Creek, Audrey Williams of Canadensis, Patricia Williams of Canadensis and Charlie DePue of Pocono Lake as well as his nieces and nephews'. In addition to his parents, Ralph is preceded in death by his brothers, Roy and Paul. Services will be held on Monday, June 6, 2022 at Keokee Chapel in Paradise Valley with Pastor Mert Shane officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with services beginning at 12 noon. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to either Keokee Chapel, P. O. Box 201, Cresco, PA 18326 or to "LVHN Pocono Foundation" (our local hospice house), 502 VNA Road, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301. Please ensure that your check memo line reads "Hospice House/Ralph Williams." "To know Poppa Bear was to love him."

Ralph H. Williams

May 6, 1934 - May 20, 2022