HAMPTON — Mr. Ralph Daly, 82, passed away Monday, Dec. 28, 2021. Ralph, the son of Veronica John, was born Sept. 24, 1938, in St. George, Grenada. Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Daly; brother and sister, Fred and Cecelia; and great-granddaughter, Arrin Bracy.
Ralph migrated from England to New York, where he received his naturalized citizenship Aug. 16, 1978. Ralph married Ruth James in June 1972, and they remained married for 44 years, until Ruth passed away Sept. 7, 2016. In 1982, the couple moved from the Bronx, New York, to Hampton to pursue their dream of home ownership.
In Hampton, Ralph worked as a machinist for 28 years, until he retired in June 2000. After retiring, staying home was not an option, so Ralph worked several jobs to keep himself busy, especially to avoid some of the daily honey-do lists presented by Ruth.
Ralph and Ruth attended the Burke Avenue Baptist Church until they departed New York to live in Hampton. Their love for Christ was passed on to the children and grandchildren. Ralph attended Mount Hebron Baptist Church, Hampton. He remained a faithful member of Mount Hebron Baptist Church until his departure. Although he was unable to attend services due to physical infirmities, he maintained contact with many members. He loved all the members but was especially grateful to God for Mr. Jimmy Dixon, who assisted him with running errands.
A special thanks is in order for Ms. Catherine Blackman and Ms. Audrey Davis-Turner. Ms. Blackman not only took a special liking to Ruth and cared for her once she became ill, but also assisted Ralph when he became ill. Ms. Audrey is cut from the same cloth as Ms. Blackman and assisted Ruth and Ralph Daly when they needed help the most. The family is truly appreciative to for the love generosity and dedication you shared on behalf of their loved ones.
The words that best characterize Ralph Daly, are provided by his wife Ruth as she reflected on their relationship. She said, “he was always there.” This is a sentiment that only characterizes a few people. The gravity of this sentiment fortifies that he wasn’t just alive, he was present. He was present for the good and the bad, the ups and the downs, the betters and the worse. He was present and accounted for in every situation. What a noble and majestic characterization of a person’s life. Though my Ralph was not a man of many words, but many jokes, his presence was always noted. Ruth Daly was characterized as “a giver,” and she always had the support of her husband Ralph Daly. When Ruth Daly did anything, Ralph Daly was right there with her, including caring for their grandchildren, Sean and Jeron Bracy, as though they were their own children.
Ralph leaves to cherish his memory, daughter, Tanya Lee; son, Avery Bracy; grandchildren, Sean (Adrienne) Bracy, Jeron Bracy, John Lee and Tiffany Lee; great-grandchildren, Alayah Bracy, Akai Bracy, Sean Bracy II, London Williams, Devine Williams, Jonae Williams, Messiah Williams and Jordan Jackson; sister, Anna Margaret (John) Bracy; niece, Hildred (Clyde) Bartley, with their children, Christopher and Allison; and a host of other dear relatives and friends. Our beloved Ralph Daly will be sorely missed.
A celebration of Ralph’s life will be for family attendance only. To view the celebration live online, please click here at 10:55 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021. Arrangements are by Berceuse Funeral and Cremation Traditions in Hampton, 757-825-8070.
Share online condolences with the family at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home.
