LANCASTER—Ralph Horne of Lancaster died at Bon Secours Rappahannock General Hospital on Monday, February 19, from complications of his four-year battle with cancer.
He was born June 3, 1942, in Sharon, Pa., but spent his childhood life in Santa Barbara, Calif., until the age of 18 when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He loved the Navy and spent 10 years active duty and retired after 30 years in the Naval Reserve.
He received his bachelor’s and master’s from the University of Tennessee and his doctorate from Virginia Tech.
He was one of the original faculty members of Rappahannock Community College and would spend the rest of his life in education, teaching vocational technical programming drafting, later CAD and serving in various administration roles at Chesapeake Area Community College, Virginia Tech and Pennsylvania College of Technology where he met and married his wife, Connie.
In addition to Connie, he is survived by daughters, Pati Bickford (Matt), Pamela Horne; stepson, Troy Kelsey (Kathy); grandchildren, Shannon Bickford, Dustin Bickford, Dane Kelsey (Amanda), Colton Lesjak and Adrianna Lesjak; and at his death, five great-grandchildren.
He loved his life in the Northern Neck, sailing, wildlife, all his pets and yours. There was never a person or pet not welcome in his home.
Funeral services and burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 10, at St. Mary’s White Chapel Episcopal Church, his church family since retirement. All who knew him well will agree, the world he touched was better because of his life and contributions.
Contributions in his memory can be given to St. Mary’s White Chapel Cobb Music Endowment or St. Mary’s White Chapel Scholarship Fund, 5940 White Chapel Road, Lancaster, VA 22503.
Currie Funeral Home LLC of Kilmarnock handled the arrangements.
