William Ralph Shurtleff, 72, passed away Monday, September 24, 2018. Visitation will be Thursday, September 27 from 9 - 10:45 am at Wright and Ferguson Funeral Home in Flowood. A memorial service will follow at 11 am in the Wright and Ferguson Chapel. A private graveside ceremony for the family will be held after the memorial service.

Pallbearers will be Dennis Brooks, Tommy Haney, Joe Hegwood, Ed Raybon, Joe Wendel, Garret Walker, and Mark Wall.

Ralph was born in Greenwood on March 11,1946, and had been a resident of the greater Jackson metro area for many years. He was a member of St. Mark's United Methodist Church in Brandon. He attended the University of Southern Mississippi and received a graduate degree from the LSU School of Banking. He retired from HomeLand Title in 2009.

Ralph loved his family and was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving on the aircraft carrier "USS Forrestal" during the Vietnam War. He enjoyed participating in carrier-related reunions with fellow sailors. He was blessed by many friends and interests throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne A. and Ermanie K. Shurtleff; brother, Wayne King; and grandson, Christian William De Blasio.

He is survived by his loving wife of forty-six years, Sue Beth, of Brandon; daughter, Katie Shurtleff De Blasio (David) of Whispering Pines, N.C.; son, Will (Jamie) Shurtleff of Madison, and grandchildren John De Blasio, Leyton Shurtleff, and Lanie Shurtleff.

Memorials may be made to Mississippi Organ Registry Agency (MORA), 4400 Lakeland Drive, Flowood, MS 39232, or to a charity of your choice.