Ralph Self Sr. (Seymour)'s Obituary
Ralph Edward Self, son of John William and Linda (Paynter) Self, was born January 20, 1921, in Kansas City, Missouri. He departed this life late Wednesday evening, December 26, 2012 in Cox South Hospital, Springfield, Missouri, at the age of ninety-one years, eleven months and six days.
He grew up and lived on the southern side of Kansas City. After graduation Ralph entered into the United States Army Air Corps and faithfully served his country during World War II. After his honorable discharge he began working for the Piccadilly Cafeteria where he met the love of his life. On March 16, 1949, Ralph and Jewell Merle Linebarger united in marriage and to this union a son and daughter were born.
Ralph continued to work for Piccadilly as the family began to put down their roots, first in Memphis, Tennessee and then in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He was the first manager at the Piccadilly Cafeteria in Macarthur Village, Alexandria, Louisiana, working for the company as a district manager until his retirement in 1982. The Piccadilly wasn’t just a job for Ralph, but a part of his family.
He had accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior early in his life and was a member of the Baptist faith. He served his Lord as faithfully as he served his country and found blessing in serving others. If you knew “Big Daddy”, you loved him. He was willing to share whatever he had with anyone who needed it and never asked for anything in return. He was a proud member of the Rotary Club in Alexandria, Louisiana and was the last member of the “Longshots” senior golf club; where he achieved a hole in one on the 184-yard number 4 hole at Rapids Country Club. Playing pool, Ping-Pong or visiting the Kentucky Derby, Ralph took time to enjoy each moment throughout his life. The most important thing in his life was always his family. So in 2005, Ralph followed his daughter to the Ozarks to be closer to them. He and Jewell made the Seymour area their home until her passing in 2007. He then went to live with his fellow veterans in the Missouri Veterans’ Home in Mt. Vernon, Missouri.
Preceding him in death are his parents; his wife of fifty-eight years, Jewell Self; his brothers, Charlie Self and Mike Self; and his sister Helen Jernigan.
Ralph is survived by his children, Ralph Edward Self, Jr. and his wife Kriss of Seymour, Missouri, and Linda Bodie and husband David of Rogersville, Missouri; his grandchildren, Matt Self and wife Carrie and their daughters Gracie and Ella of Dry Prong, Louisiana; Clay Self and wife Brooke and their daughter Allyson of Dry Prong, Louisiana; Tanya Price and husband Lee and their son Matthew of Rogersville, Missouri; Erin Davis and husband Brandon and their sons Brodie and Grant of Ozark, Missouri; as well as several nephews, nieces and a host of other family and dear friends.
It was the love of his family that made Ralph happiest in his life. He leaves behind a legacy of faithful service, unconditional love and treasured memories for those who loved him. We celebrate Ralph Edward Self, Sr., a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and a caring neighbor and friend, knowing the truth in our Lord Jesus that one day we will meet again.
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