Ralph Glenn Willig

Ralph Glenn Willig, 84, of Cleveland, died March 16, 2021. Ralph was born May 19, 1936 in Marshall, Missouri. He graduated from Raytown High School in Raytown, MO, and received his Bachelors in Business Administration from Central Missouri State University.

Mr. Willig and his family relocated to Cleveland, TN in 1978 when Ralph accepted a transfer from upstate New York to Cleveland with the Bendix/Allied Signal Corp.

Upon retiring, he and his wife Barbara began many years of travel, including some motor home misadventures, checking off their goals to see every state in the union, overseas flights with his wife, brother, and sister-in-law, tropical island cruises, many trips to Alaska, as well as several other bucket list trips with family and friends.

Together, when they were not traveling, Barbara and Ralph enjoyed spending time with their children and grandchildren, as well as spending time with their regular long time, Friday night “happy hour” friends, gardening, and other outdoor activities. Ralph enjoyed life to the fullest, and was truly happiest when telling stories and making other people laugh.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Karl Fox Willig and Maude Elizabeth Howery Willig.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara A. Willig; children, Tom J. Willig of Memphis, TN, Kathryn W. Buckner and husband, Terry J. Buckner of Cleveland, TN; grandchildren, Jacob Fitzgerald Buckner of Cleveland, TN, and Karley Buckner of Johnson City, TN; one brother, Karl Dale Willig of Paola, KS; and several nephews.

The family will have a private service, and requests that memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN  38105.

Ralph Buckner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Willig family guestbook at www.ralphbuckner.com.