Ralph O'Neil Shropshire

Ralph O'Neil Shropshire age 82 passed away July 2, 2024 after a courageous nearly four-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Ralph was born in Ridgeway, Virginia March 30, 1942 to Russell H. Shropshire Sr. and Myrtle H. Shropshire who preceded him in death.He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Willa and a son, Kevin O. of Raleigh, NC. He is also survived by three brothers, Russell H. Jr. (Betty), Edsel and Lowry (Eileen); sisters, Doris, Margaret (Paul) and Lynda (Bert) and many nieces and nephews.Ralph graduated from Lynchburg College where he played basketball and baseball. He taught mathematics courses for 38 years, mostly at the former Fieldale Collinsville High School where he coached the academic math team to many first place finishes. After retirement, he coached the academic math team at Bassett High School. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Collinsville.Prior to retirement Ralph enjoyed playing softball and serving as an assistant coach for little league baseball. Throughout his life, Ralph enjoyed working in his garden. He shared much of his vegetable bounty with friends, neighbors and family.A service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 5, 2024 at the Sanctuary of Hope Mausoleum at Roselawn Burial Park and will be officiated Pastor Larry Cheek. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Collinsville, 3339 Virginia Avenue, Collinsville, Va. 24078.McKee-Stone Funeral Home, Martinsville, Va. is serving the family. To express condolences on line, please visit wwwcollinsmckeestonemartinsville.com