Ralph D. England

Ralph Donald England, age 91, of Crossville, TN, passed away at Good Samaritans Society on January 25, 2024. Mr. England was born on May 24, 1932, in Pleasant Hill, Tennessee, son of the late Norman England and Ella (Dodd) England. Ralph had a long and varied career. He ran Clyde’s Drive In for many years in the 50’s and 60’s with his brother Clyde. He continued in the restaurant business owning The Dilly Shop in Crossville and later in Westel. His last adventure in the restaurant business was the Smith Rexall Food Counter. Many local businessmen enjoyed breakfast and lunch weekly. Ralph was a salesman at Crossville Ford and retired from there around 2012. In his younger years, Ralph was a TSSAA basketball referee for both high school and later the county junior high schools. He also served on the Cumberland County Election Commission for over 25 years and was elected as president of the Tennessee Counties Election Officials. His passion was working on the Cumberland County Fair Board where he proudly served for many years. He was the Director of Entertainment and took great pride in bringing the best entertainment he could for all to enjoy. He is survived by his son, Wade England; daughter & son-in-law, Carmen & Bruce Wyatt; grandchildren, Michael England (Cigi), Jace England (April), and Cady Cavalea (Alex); and great grandchildren, Cadence England, Kitt Cavalea, Clyde Cavalea, Jaedyn Ashburn, Jaxton Ashburn, and Jadisyn Ashburn. In addition to his parents, Ralph is preceded in death by his wife, Reba Elizabeth (Turner) England; and brothers, Clyde England, Clay England, Johnnie Bennett. A Funeral Service will be held at Bilbrey Funeral Home on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at 2:00 PM with burial to follow at Pomona Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 12:00 to 2:00 prior to the service. The family request donations be made to the Cumberland County United Fund . Arrangements and Care provided by Bilbrey Funeral Home and Cremation Service.