Ralph Franklin Vincent, age 73, passed away Oct. 13 at Burns Nursing Home after a lengthy illness.

Ralph was a member of the church of Christ at Eastside in Russellville. He proudly served his country for four years in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. He was a retired die cast operator from Ford Motor Company.

The visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 14 at Spry Memorial Chapel. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Oct. 15 at Spry Memorial Chapel with Bro. Mike Morrow and Bro. Johnny Richardson officiating. Burial will be at Franklin Memory Gardens with military honors.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil Lee and Pearline Vincent; brothers, Greg Vincent and Doug Vincent; grandparents, Lee and Flora Vincent and John and Nita Mayfield; father-in-law, Nello Howard; mother-in-law, Florene Howard; and brother-in-law, Marty Howard.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted and loving wife of 48 years, Betty Jo Howard Vincent; son, Chad Vincent and wife Stephanie; daughter, Chasity Vincent Parker and husband Steven; sisters, Anita Beard and husband Jody, Madonna Holley and husband Ricky; sister-in-law, Doris Vincent; and a number of nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. He also is survived by his grandchildren, Nathan Vincent, Taylor Vincent, Caden Parker, Maddux Parker, Hudsen Parker. Pappaw was so proud of these boys, and they were the love of his life.

The pallbearers will be Nathan Vincent, Taylor Vincent, Caden Parker, Maddux Parker, Jody Beard and John Mayfield Jr.

The family would like to express sincere thanks to Gentiva Home Health nurse Micki McNutt and Gentiva Hospice nurses Jessica Jones and Jamie Lane. They were a blessing to him and the family. Also a special thanks to all of the staff of Burns Nursing Home who took care of Ralph with such kindness and in a professional way. Even though his stay was only one month, the family grew close to all of the people and staff. A personal thanks to Martha, Cam and Mark DeArman for making Ralph and his family as comfortable as possible in such heartbreaking times. Last but not least, thanks Dr. Jerry Williams for the last 18 years of care, Dr. Randall Little, and the Helen Keller Hospital PCU for their care of the family.