William Ralph Putman

William Ralph Putman, 87, passed away Tuesday, March 28, 2017 surrounded by family and friends. Ralph or Putty to some, was born August 4, 1929 in Navarro Mills. He was the son of Artie and Hettie Putman. On October 4, 1982, Wayne and Judy Nelson, Billy Nelson and Ralph Putman formed a partnership creating Nelson Putman Propane. Ralph and Billy were the route salesmen while Judy was the one and only office personnel. Wayne took on the task of serviceman, setting tanks and repairing tanks. Ralph was a people person, and loved what he did. His customers, all over Navarro County, knew they could count on Ralph's personalized customer service. Ralph loved his guitar and playing bluegrass music with his brothers Chester and Glendon, cousin Clark, Alon Gaines, Bob Wetsel, and at times a few others. Most importantly he loved his family. There was no question what the family would be doing on Sunday, going to church. Ralph and Geraldean taught their children by example to be good citizens, ethical, honest but most importantly, to honor our Lord and Savior. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, wife Lille Geraldean Putman, granddaughter Jennifer Gibson, sisters Cordenna Wood and Betty Je Briscoe, brothers Chester Putman, Junior Putman, Glendon Putman, and Donald Putman and son in law Jim Gibson. Ralph is survived by his children, Doris Lynch and husband Ron of Corsicana, Jimmy Putman and wife Jamye of Navarro Mills, Diane Gibson of Rice, Pam Gibson and husband Mike of Corsicana; grandchildren Kerri Lynch Barham and husband Scott of Corsicana, Matt Lynch and wife Kristen of Kerens, Michael Gibson and wife Natalie of Houston, Amye Putman DeChaume and husband Hubert of Dawson, Rusty Putman of Navarro Mills, Shane Gibson and wife Melissa of Rice, Kristy Gibson Praytor and husband Eddie of Dawson, fourteen great grandchildren; sister Doris Jean Wheat of Abilens; sister in law, Laverne (Sis) Fullerton of Corsicana, sister in law Oda Lee Nutt and husband Ray of Eureka, brother in law James Minefee and wife Karri of Teague. Visitation will be Friday, March 31, 2017 from 6-8pm at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home. Service will be 10:00 am Saturday, April 1, 2017 at First Baptist Church of Blooming Grove where he served as deacon since 1972. Burial will follow at Dresden Cemetery. Pallbearers will be grandsons, Matt Lynch, Michael Gibson, Rusty Putman, Shane Gibson; grandson in law Dr. Scott Barham; great grandsons, Collin Barham, Carson Barham, Lane Lynch, Brindon DeChaume, Jordan DeChaume, George Gibson, Eli Gibson. Honorary pallbearers will be Deacons of First Baptist Church Blooming Grove, Ronald Lynch, Ricki Crenshaw, Don McGraw, Jake Melton, Larry Farish, Roland Southard, Boyd Bryant, Billy Nelson, Ricky McGraw, Bubba Fitzgerald. A very special thank you to Nancy Melton a special friend and caregiver, to Billy Nelson such a good friend, to Twilight Nursing Home Administration and Staff, and to Hand in Hand Hospice. "You can't lose someone if you know where they are going"

William Ralph Putman

August 4, 1929 - March 28, 2017