Ralph E. Wilcox (February 08, 1942 - November 28, 2022)

In loving memory of
Ralph E. Wilcox
  • February 08, 1942
  • -
  • November 28, 2022

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Obituary

Ralph E. Wilcox, 80, of Ocala, FL, formally of Altoona, PA, passed away on November 28,2022. Ralph was born in Rockville, Connecticut, on February 8, 1942, the son of the late Ralph A. and Mabel (Ellsworth) Wilcox. On October 13, 1962, he married Linda Lee Spence, who passed away on November 19, 2005. On September 1, 2012, he married Mary Michaels, who survives him.

In 1960, Ralph entered Alfred State College in Alfred, New York, to study Diesel Technology, graduating in 1962. The same year, Ralph was hired by the Erie Lackawanna Railroad, which began a career that spanned over 55 years working in the railroad industry, ultimately working for the Erie Lackawanna Railroad, Conrail, and then CR Quality Services as a consultant. His career reflected his lifelong love of trains, which began as a child running his Lionel train set around the house. Ralph was also involved in the Big Train Operator Club serving in various positions on the club’s board of directors.

Ralph’s work for the railroad also fostered a lifelong love of travel. Ralph was proud that he was able to visit all 50 states, and he also visited Europe on two occasions, once for a business trip to Poland, and once to visit London and Paris and take the Eurostar through the Chunnel. He also had the opportunity to visit Japan, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam, while he served in the U.S. Navy from 1966 until 1970 on the USS Washoe County and the USS Pickaway.

Ralph’s love of travel also manifested in his love of motorcycles, which began in the early 1970s. His last motorcycle, a bright-yellow Honda Gold Wing trike nicknamed “The Honeybee” took he and Linda and then Mary all over the eastern United States. Ralph always loved a good motorcycle ride and was a member of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association.

Ralph was also involved throughout his life in Freemasonry. As a teenager, he joined the Order of DeMolay, and ultimately joined the Scottish Rite receiving the 32nd degree. Throughout his life, Ralph was a member of Lodges in Ohio, California, Pennsylvania, and New York, but also visited other Lodges around the world during his travels.

Ralph attended Ocala West United Methodist Church and a member of Warriors Mark United Methodist Church in PA.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Mary Michaels Wilcox and two children, Ralph S. Wilcox of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Lynn Wilcox of Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. He is also survived by three stepdaughters, Heather Meek of Morrisdale, Pennsylvania, Leslie Hammond of Tyrone, Pennsylvania, and Lori Beals of Gap, Pennsylvania, and seven step grandchildren, Devon & Stephanie Hammond, Tony (Kassie) & Michael Beals, Nik, Archer & Zoey Meek. He is also survived by a sister in law, Lucie Spence of Wethersfield, Connecticut and several cousins and his cat, Noelle and beloved dog, Lulu.

Funeral Services will be held on Sunday, December 4, 2022 at 3:30PM at Ocala West United Methodist Church, 9330 SW 105th Street, Ocala, Florida 34481. Calling hours will be held before the service beginning at 1:30PM, also at Ocala West United Methodist Church. Burial will occur at Grove Hill Cemetery, in Vernon, CT on December 7, 2022, at 10:00AM. Memorial Service for Ralph will be held on December 10th at 11:00AM at Warriors Mark United Methodist Church, 1840 Centre Line Road Warriors Mark, PA 16877. The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Warrior’s Mark UMC, PO Box 134, Warriors Mark, PA 16877. Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Baldwin Brothers Funeral & Cremation Society, 11250 SW 93rd Ct. Rd. Suite 300, Ocala, Florida 34481. To share memories and condolences with Ralph’s family, please visit www.baldwincremation.com.


Service

Location:
Ocala West United Methodist Church
9330 SW 105th Street Ocala, FL 34481

Date & Time:
December 4, 2022 at 3:30 PM


Cemetery:
Grove Hill Cemetery
Vernon, CT 06066



Visitation

Times:
December 4, 2022



Location:
Ocala West United Methodist Church
9330 SW 105th Street Ocala, FL 34481


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