Ralph R. Douglas, 79, of Nitro, went Home to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at home surrounded by his family.
Ralph was born in Charleston, WV on July 30, 1946, to the late George and Millie Douglas. He was also preceded in death by three brothers, William, Clifford, and George, Jr. Douglas, and three sisters Virginia Shinn, Esther McCallister, and Carolyn Jones, and niece Patricia Stover.
He was a retired custodian at Andrew Jackson Middle School with 30 years of service. He loved solving puzzles, whether a 500 piece jigsaw puzzle on the kitchen table, a puzzle book, or the codes he would make and send to his girls. He cherished every moment he had visiting with family, especially over a meal, particularly pinto beans and cornbread, and never forget desert. He loved cooking at home and extra so he could send down the road. The saying “the way to a man’s heart is thru his stomach” is an understatement when it came to Ralph. Before becoming disabled he enjoyed traveling and going on fishing trips with his brothers. Gardening, coloring pictures, canning, and porch setting were also some of his passions. After becoming disabled he enjoyed traveling vicariously by looking at all the pictures people would share with him about their travels. Ralph served his country in the US Army and was always gracious to acknowledge and thank other veterans for their service.
Some of Ralph’s famous sayings were “You know we’re gonna make it”, “were might liables to”, and “fine like frog’s hair”.
Military Honors for Ralph will be held at 1:00 PM April 1, 2026, at Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery.
He will be forever cherished by all his surviving family, brother Robert Douglas of Chesapeake, WV, sister Ellen Coleman and her husband James of Ohio, niece and caregiver Lena McGuire of Poca, great-nieces Hanna and husband Burton, Rebecca, and Brandi, great-great-nieces and nephews Charles, Haleigh, Justin, Callie, and Avery, and many other relatives and a host of friends.
