Ralph Richard Blue Jr.

RALPH RICHARD BLUE JR. was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on September 11, 1924. The first of three children born to the marriage of Elizabeth Hicks and Ralph Richard Blue. Another son, Charles Rogers and a daughter, Barbara Jean soon followed and would complete this family. Ralph grew up in the mostly Italian neighborhood of East 146 and Kinsman. He helped his friends sell and deliver fruits and vegetables for the local venders, being scolded for eating as much fruit as he sold. He was educated in the public schools and graduated from John Adams High School. His dream was to become an airplane mechanic, SADLY an unrealistic desire for the times, but a dream which fostered his love of auto racing and repair, which resurfaced lat-er in his life. Soon after high school, he proudly enlisted in the United States Army, reaching the rank of Staff Sargent. Ralph served in the Philippines in World War II. He received THE Good Conduct MEDAL, W. W. II Victory medal, the mechanics badge, American Theater, Pacific Theater (two Bronze Stars) and the Philippine Liberation (one Bronze Star) ribbons. Due to this service, he garnered the Nickname of "Flip" from his relatives. Later in life he was also called "Blue" by his good friends and coworkers. Ralph met the love of his life, Marjorie Butler and they were married in April of 1947. Together they raised two daugh-ters, Laura Gale Sykes and his baby girl, Candace Leigh Bray (William). He was also "father" to his grandson, Scott M. Sykes, being a daily influence in his life. Ralph worked several occupations throughout his life, some of which included body work, welding and mechanic for Cleveland Transit System (now RTA), He also worked at the Terminal Tower, he hauled concrete and asphalt for Breckling Concrete and was an independent truck driver, for a while owning his own truck. He retired as a mechanic from the Budweiser Corp. at the House of LaRose. He was a "Renaissance Man" long before the phrase was coined. He enjoyed food shopping, cooking and never minded babysitting, even changing diapers, making formula and learning to comb little girls' hair. He often took his daughters with him in his travels. Ralph was a very likable man, making many good and true lifelong friends. He loved kids and they loved him back. He spent many hours entertaining them and they him. He loved all animals, especially dogs. He fed his birds and squirrels daily. Ralph enjoyed all forms of vehicle racing; motorcycle (owning two Harleys); stock car, and Formula One open wheel, spending many weekends traveling to racing events in nearby states with good friends. He was looking forward to watching his nephew Wayne‘s upcoming racing events. Ralph liked horseback riding, roller skating, dancing, gardening, fishing, photography (creating his own darkroom) listening to jazz (tenor sax being his favorite), watching any cowboy or army movie and the history channel. Ralph made his transition on September 5, 2013, six days before his eighty ninth birth-day. Greeting him on the other side is his wife, Margie, his parents and his brother "Chuck". He leaves to honor his life, daughters, Laura and Candy; grandson, Scott; sister, Barbara; three nieces; three nephews; other family members and friends; and his extended family through his son-in-law, William. Funerals made Ralph very uncomfortable, wanting to remember friends and loved ones "full of life". Therefore he wished no formal funeral ceremony for himself. Understanding people need closure we, his family, extend this viewing opportunity to say "Goodbye" and if you choose share your memories with us. Thank You for your understanding...............With Love, Laura, Candy, Scott and Bill