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Promoted to Glory
Ralph Powell was promoted to Glory December 23 from his home near Solvang, California.
Ralph was born in Ogden, Utah on December 3, 1912 and came to the Lord at age 40 through the ministry of the Los Angeles Tabernacle Corps.
Ralph and his wife Venice met the Army through vacation Bible school. They sent their daughters to the program “just to get them out of our hair for a few hours,” but the Lord had other plans. Ralph and Venice began attending the corps and soon received Christ. Together they served the Lord for more than four decades as soldiers of the Los Angeles, Hollywood and Pasadena Tabernacle Corps. Venice was promoted to Glory in 1990.
Ralph loved children and served as the Hollywood Tabernacle Junior Legion leader for many years. He also loved the Tabernacle band and was its librarian for 20 years. Additionally, he frequently visited Los Angeles County/University of Southern California Medical Center and the Los Angeles County Jail to encourage the patients and inmates, and to share Christ with them.
Ralph worked in the Los Angeles and Hollywood areas for 50 years as a “paper hanger to the stars.” After retirement he took up photography and subsequently became territorial photographer for the Western Territory.
A creative man, Ralph found joy in making things for people. His unique gift creations and woodworking projects still adorn the surroundings of family and friends around the world.
Second only to his love for the Lord was Ralph’s love for his family. He leaves his sister Doris McNeal, daughters Carol (Dennis) McBride and Gloria (Henry) van Dalen, three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He also leaves his godson Russ Lycan.
A memorial service was held at the Pasadena Tabernacle Corps with Captain Edward Hill officiating, Dennis McBride speaking and members of Ralph’s family providing music.
Messages of condolence may be sent to Carol McBride at PO Box 1500, Solvang, California 93464 or emailed to Carol at dcjmcbride@msn.com.
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