A True Friend!  The Russell County community suffered a tremendous loss last week with the tragic death of Ralph Creech. He was a friend to us all! Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “The only way to have a friend is to be one.” Ralph understood that concept well! He had a heart that was big enough for us all.

I don’t believe I ever recall seeing him without that little grin on his face. Ralph was a soft spoken man and always made time for everyone.

Those that were at the Jamestown Christian Church last Friday and Saturday witnessed what a friend Ralph was to our community and all of the lives he had touched. It says in Ecclesiasticus 6:14, King James Version that “A faithful friend is a strong defense: and he that hath found such an one hath found a treasure.” Ralph Creech was a treasure.  Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines treasure as “Something of great worth or value; a person esteemed as rare or precious.”

I had the honor of knowing Ralph Creech for several years. Merriam-Webster’s definition fits Ralph to a tee. He taught me the real meaning of friendship and fellowship. He loved his wife Rhea and little Katie more than anyone would think possible. A dear friend of mine told me that during the past election, it was really difficult for him to have to decide between Gary Robertson and Ralph for County Judge because they were both such good friends. We all know Gary won, but my friend just couldn’t forget Ralph’s heart warming little grin, so I don’t have to tell you who he voted for.

As we all move forward in this life, we will all be thankful for Ralph and the lessons that he so graciously taught us. Like all of us, Ralph’s daughter, Katie, and his lovely wife, Rhea, are so fortunate to have had such a great man in their lives.  He was an exceptional father and good husband and we are all better people for having had Ralph Creech in our lives.

Ralph is now with our Father in Heaven and waiting for the rest of us to join him.  I am honored to have known Ralph Creech and take great pride in saying he was my friend!

May God Bless…

Ron Phillips