Ralph D. Abrams, Jr. was born August 27, 1927, and died on March 14, 2022. He passed peacefully while resting. He is preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Ella M. Clausen Abrams and his son in law, William Wade Henson, Jr.
He is survived by his two children, Ralph D. Abrams III (wife Debbie) and Nancy Abrams Henson. He has four grandchildren, Corrie Kelly (Brendan), Ryan Abrams (Misty), Chip Henson (Olivia), and Kari Dotter (Charlie), and eight great grandchildren (ranging in age from 5-21).
Ralph was born in Malverne, NY at home. He was the older brother to Donald Abrams of Schroon Lake NY. and brother-in-law of Marian Sullivan of San Jose, California. He served in the Navy during WWII. Ralph attended Malverne HS where he met and married the love of his life, Ella Clausen. He worked for Bell telephone in NY until 1961 when he moved to Lynchburg, VA to work with General Electric in mobile radio sales.
Ralph Abrams is best described by his family as loving, kind, patient, and caring. He made friends wherever he went. He has always been a mentor and an example to emulate for his children, grandchildren, and even his great grandchildren. He encouraged them to pursue higher education, keep up with technology, keep abreast of the news, and take pride in all you do. He set a high priority on family and its importance. He was a brilliant example for family through his work ethics and in how his marriage of 73 years worked. He enjoyed traveling, golf, reading, dabbling in stocks, playing on the computer, and participating in games when gathered with family and friends. The family agrees he was the modern day Alexa who would tell stories, give good advice when asked, or sit back and just listen to what you said. The family always joked that if you were traveling and needed the names of good restaurants, you asked dad/grandpa. He was so proud of his kids, grandkids, and great grandchildren and made sure to tell them this all the time.
Even though we know he is now at peace in heaven with Ella, he will be sorely missed by all.
A small family gathering for Ralph Abrams’s interment will be held in Lynchburg at a future date.
May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time,
May you come to know that the love of God is with you always,
May your memories of Ralph D. Abrams Jr., give you peace, comfort and strength…
Rest now in the arms of our Lord your mission on earth is complete.
I thank you for your service to our Country and my Freedom. You will not be forgotten.
My thoughts
and prayers to the family of ….
US Navy Veteran, Ralph D. Abrams Jr., is “A True American Hero” God Bless†
† Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †