Ralph Sheffield, age 73, of Harriman, Tennessee, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his family that he loved so deeply. Ralph was born and raised in Chauncey, Georgia. One of his favorite childhood memories was farming with his family. Those early days shaped his strong work ethic. Ralph proudly served his country in the United States Navy for 22 years, retiring as a Master Chief Machinist’s Mate. His final command was the USS Tennessee. During his career, he was awarded a Navy Unit Commendation Medal and multiple Navy Achievement Medals. He also served aboard multiple U.S. Naval submarines and taught at the Orlando Navy Nuclear Power School. After retiring from the Navy, Ralph moved to the Oak Ridge/Oliver Springs area, where he continued his leadership in managerial roles at M&EC, Perma-Fix, and DSSI. Ralph showed both his Georgia Bulldogs and Tennessee Vols pride - until they played each other, and then his Bulldogs pride won out. Another joy of his life was softball. He enjoyed playing and also coached countless youth and adult teams. He loved the sport, and touched many lives through a ball, a bat, and a mitt. He also loved spending time on his tractor and caring for their land and garden. He took pride in their beautiful tomatoes, roses, and plenty of corn to shuck. Yet nothing gave him greater joy than spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Ralph was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and Christian. He was a faithful member and Sunday School teacher at Beech Park Baptist Church. He was a student and teacher of the Bible and never shied away from difficult questions. He helped usher many people to the path of the Lord with love, kindness, and patience. He also loved serving in the prison ministry, Bible printing ministry, and enjoyed being a greeter at his church. He always prayed “with thanksgiving”.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, John James Sheffield and Vena Sheffield; his father-in-law, Clarence “Pa” Robbins; and his siblings, John James Sheffield Jr., Ray Sheffield, Carolyn Sheffield Spears, and Randy Sheffield.

He is survived by his loving wife, Kathy Sheffield; his mother-in-law, Hilda “Ma” Robbins; his children, Andrew Sheffield (Katie), Nicole Sheffield, Wesley Jones (Emily), and Megan Broscious (Chad); his grandchildren, Tyler (Nicole), Molly, Charlotte, Emberly, Averie, Channing, Lily, and Adelyn; his siblings, Linda Wrye (Carroll), Francis Quarrels, Jean Brown (Tommy), and Herman Sheffield (Irene); and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends.

Ralph leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. If he could leave his family with one lasting reminder, it would simply be this: “God is good. “

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the amazing nurses with Professional Case Management and the caring hospice team at Covenant HomeCare & Hospice.

Family will receive friends on Saturday February 14th from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. at Beech Park Baptist Church in Oliver Springs, funeral service to follow with Chad Broscious officiating. Family and Friends will meet at Davis Cemetery in Coalfield following the funeral for interment.

Jackson Funeral Home and Cremation is in charge of all arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Beech Park Baptist Church Student Ministry.