Area Man who Owned, Operated Family Business with Sons, Ralph Adolphus Inman, Passes Away at 86
In addition to his wife, Ralph is survived by his son, Michael Inman and his wife Patricia of Fairmont; brother, Michael Inman and his wife Christina of Hale, MI; sisters, Darlene Westphal of Clio, MI, and Linda Raleigh of Millington, MI; grandchildren, Austin Loper, Caresse Wilson and her husband Greg, Austin, Zachary, and Brandon Musall; great-grandchildren, Matthew Hamrick, Adeline, and Bella Musall; as well as many nieces and nephews. Ralph loved his grandchildren immensely. They brought him tremendous pride and joy, and they held a very special place in his heart.
Ralph was a proud 1959 graduate of Flint Northern High School in Flint, MI. He began his working career at General Motors before going on to operate his own gentleman’s farm. A talented carpenter and skilled craftsman, Ralph spent many years working in the construction trade, where his ability, determination, and work ethic were evident in everything he did. He later became a project manager overseeing large commercial construction projects. Eventually, Ralph brought his years of experience together and started a business alongside his sons, something that allowed him to work side by side with his family.
Ralph was a man who enjoyed working with his hands and staying busy. He loved farming, tinkering, woodworking, and bowling, and there was rarely a problem he was afraid to take apart and try to fix. He took pride in building things well and doing things the right way.
One of Ralph’s greatest passions was boating. He shared that love with his son, Eric, for many years, creating memories on the water that remained close to his heart throughout his life. Ralph traveled the Great Lakes and especially loved spending time along the Indian River, a place that came to hold many of his family’s most treasured memories.
More than his work, his hobbies, or the things he accomplished, Ralph will be remembered for the life he built with his family and the memories he leaves behind. His presence, knowledge, stories, and steady way of doing things will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.
In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by his son, Eric Inman, and sisters, Carol Meteviere, Mary Kennedy, and Marlene Montrose.
Memorial contributions may be made in Ralph’s memory to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741, or the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.
The family has entrusted the arrangements to the Ford Funeral Home, Ford Chapel, 201 Columbia Street, Fairmont. A memorial service will be held for the family at a later date. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.fordfuneralhomes.com.