Edward H. Ralph, 74

LAUREL - Edward H. Ralph. of Laurel, died on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2008, in the Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury, Md. He was 74. Ed was born in Laurel, a son of the late Edwin B. Ralph and Pauline Dickerson Ralph. An infant brother Albert Ralph also precedes him in death. Mr. Ralph graduated from Laurel High School class of 1951, and attended the University of Delaware where he received his bachelor of science degree in horticulture in 1955. He later received his master's degree in horticulture 1957. He was the director of Delaware Substation Division, University of Delaware, during this time of service he also served as the Executive Secretary of Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc. In 1984, he retied from the University with 29 years and seven months of service. He later was the Executive Director of the Delmarva Poultry Industry. In 1990, he was the Assistant to the Vice President for Advancement at the University of Delaware and the Southern Delaware Assistant to the President of The University of Delaware. In 1993, he was appointed by the Governor as the Delaware Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. Ed also proudly served his country in the Delaware National Guard were he was a Lieutenant. He was extremely active in the Laurel Community, serving on many boards and committees. A member and administrative board member of Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church in Laurel. He also held many positions on Agriculture Boards, where he was a long time board member for the Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc. His many memberships included Delaware Farm Bureau, Delaware Poultry Improvement Association, Delaware Grange, a charter member of the Laurel High School Alumni Association, the Sussex County Independent Libraries Trustees Association and University of Delaware Agriculture Alumni Association where he was past secretary-treasurer and President. Ed was a founding member of the Tussocky Tax Ditch. He has also received many awards and honors, including Aggie of the year, Certificate of Distinguished service from the National Association of County Agriculture agents, George M. Worrilow Award for outstanding service to agriculture by a University of Delaware alumni, along with many additional awards from the agriculture community, University of Delaware and Sussex County government. In 1979, he was the Laurel's Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Citizen of the Year. In 1997, he received the Order of the First State Award, which is the highest award presented to a civilian by the Governor and Lieutenant Governor. Ed is survived by his wife, Peggy J. Ralph; his sons, Alan R. Ralph; a daughter-in-law, Valerie Eskridge; stepson Mark H. Bramble and his wife Brenda all of Laurel; and his grandchildren, Jami Gordy, Casey Jo Ralph and Dylan Eskridge. Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to Laurel Fire Department, 205 W. Tenth Street Laurel, DE 19956 or Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church c/o Ellen Hearn 36197 Susan Beach Rd. Delmar, DE. 19940 . A funeral service will be 2 p.m Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008, at the Laurel Fire Company 205 W. Tenth Street Laurel, where a viewing will be held from noon to 2 p.m. The Rev. Dale Evans will officiate. Burial will follow the service in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Laurel. Arrangements are in the care of the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home Laurel.