– Ralph Harley Arledge, 82, of Hwy. 9 North, Mill Spring, NC died Wednesday, January 24, 2018 at the Smith Phayer Hospice House, Landrum, SC.Born September 13, 1935, to the late John Harley Arledge and Mattie Lee Brown Arledge, of Mill Spring, NC. He retired from Milliken's Hatch Plant in Columbus, NC after many years of service. Following retirement, he enjoyed sitting in his front yard, sunning with his dog Angel, and spending time with family and friends. He was a member of Cooper's Gap Baptist Church.In addition to his two parents, Ralph is preceded in death by his wife of fifty-three years, Celia Wilson Arledge and one brother James Marvin Arledge.Ralph was a Veteran of the armed forces and enjoyed helping others and his community. Some of his accomplishments include establishing a Boys Scout group in Sunny View; leading the establishment of the Sunny View Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as its first fire chief. He was a member of the Ruritans; served on the Polk County School Board and was a Polk County Commissioner. Ralph was also well known for his political opinions, but regardless if one were a Republican or Democrat, he still had high regards for everyone, especially those he joked with. Ralph will be remembered as a loving husband, terrific father and grandfather, as well as a wonderful friend to many. He absolutely loved people and doing what he could to help his fellow man.Ralph is survived by son Dwayne Arledge and wife Kristi of Simpsonville, SC; two grandchildren Chad and Kaitlyn; and two sisters Evelyn Ayer of Jacksonville, FL and Nan Neal of Savannah, GA.A funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, January 27, 2018 at Coopers Gap Baptist Church, Mill Spring, NC with Rev. Donald Hollifield and Rev. Warren Elliott officiating.The family will receive friends prior to the service Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the church.Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military rite by the Polk County Veterans Memorial Honor Guard.In lieu for flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, 260 Fairwinds Road, Landrum, SC 29356.
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