Ralph Peyton Ellerbe

Published 12:00 am Sunday, February 17, 2013

VIDALIA — Services for Ralph Peyton Ellerbe, 66, of Brandon and formerly of Vidalia, who died Friday, Feb. 15, 2013, at Cross Gates River Oaks Hospital in Brandon, will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Laird Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Glenn Harrigill officiating.

Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from noon Sunday until time of service at the funeral home.

Ellerbe was a true valentine, born Feb. 14, 1947, in Ferriday, the son of Clem Ike Ellerbe and Juanita Johnson Ellerbe. Ralph loved his horses, pups, country music and football. His football teams never lost a game as he was known to change allegiance during the game as necessary. Ralph loved all people in a pure, child-like way. He loved to visit his friends and never met a stranger. God has had his arms around him his whole life. He blessed Ralph and his caregivers with the people he placed in Ralph’s life. His family would like to thank the staff of Brandon Nursing and Rehab Center and his special friends there for the love and friendship they provided. He is preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Marvin C. Ellerbe Sr.

Survivors include one sister, Margaret Carlton of Ferriday; five nieces, Marie Montague and husband, Ivan, of Brandon, Cindy Kenney and husband, Shelby, of Brandon, Janet Walker and husband, Carroll, of Slidell, La., Lissa Gundlach and husband, Chip, of Virginia Beach, Va., and Rebecca Carlton of Jena; one nephew, Marvin C. Ellerbe Jr. of Vidalia; and a number of nieces, great nephew and cousins.

Pallbearers will be Ivan Montague, Daniel Dayton, Carroll Walker, Ray Kenney, Dennis Dunn and Bill Fowler.

Memorials may be made to Pleasant Acre Day School.

Happy trails to you, Ralph.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.lairdfh.com.