Ralph Dorsey

Ralph E. Dorsey, 82, of Graysville, Pa. died at 12:35 a.m. Monday, January 26, 2009 in the Washington County Health Center, Chartiers Twp. after being in failing health for the past 4 years.He was born November 3, 1926 in East Finley Twp. Washington Co. Pa. a son of Carl Hird and Alva Irene Sprowls Dorsey and has been a resident of Graysville since 1953.Mr. Dorsey was a member of the Fairmount United Methodist Church in East Finley.He was a veteran of World War II where he served with the U.S. Army as a private with the 618th Engineer Base Equipment Co. in Manila and as a Tech 5 with the 48th Military Government and was awarded the Army Occupation Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon, the expert infantryman badge and the Good Conduct Medal.Mr. Dorsey enjoyed collecting John Deere memorabilia and the time he spent with his family and grandchildren.He was a 1949 graduate of the former Carpenter Trade School in Washington, Pa.Mr. Dorsey was a member of the James R. Hunt American Legion Post 639 in Claysville.He was last employed as a shipper/receiver for Star Dynamics of Washington for 19 years prior to retiring in 1988.On October 16, 1948 he married Wilma Jean Ealy who survives.Also surviving are a son, Daniel, husband of Debra Dorsey of Dallas, W.Va.; two daughters, Barbara, wife of Gordon McCracken of Lordstown, Ohio and Phyllis, wife of Rudy Yurkovich of Graysville; 11 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; one brother, Blaine, husband of Dolly Dorsey of Punxsutawney; three sisters, G. Lucille Bedilion of Waynesburg, Hazel Lindley Hillberry of Claysville and L. Maxine Reynolds of Washington.Deceased in addition to his parents are six brothers, Leo, Vance, Floyd, Paul, Earl and Gaylord Dorsey.Graveside military rites will be accorded by the Claysville American Legion Post 639 and representatives of the U.S. Army. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to your charity of choice.