Obituaries for Thursday, Jan. 5

Published 10:28 pm Wednesday, January 4, 2006

LAKE PARK

Ralph Lamar Starling

Ralph Lamar Starling, 84, of Lake Park, died on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2006, after a lengthy illness. Born in Lakeland, Fla., on Aug. 5, 1921, he was the son of the late William G. and Callie Storey Starling. Formerly of Memphis, Tenn., he had lived in Lowndes County for the past 50 years. He had served his country during WWII with the U.S. Army and had retired from Independent Life Insurance Company. He was a member of First Baptist Church, was a Charter Member of the Civitan Club, and member of the American Legion. He was founder, coach, manager, supporter and avid fan of the Valdosta Red Sox.

Ralph Starling was loved by his family and friends, may he go in grace and peace.

Mr. Starling’s survivors include his wife, Monteze McCafferty Starling of Lake Park; sons and daughters-in-law, Ralph Jr. and Carolyn Starling of Richmond, Va., Mark Starling, David and Sugaka Starling of Lake Park; daughter, Susan Starling of Lake Park; grandchildren, Conor, Natsumi and Marki Starling of Lake Park; several nieces and nephews; special niece, Donna Starling of Abilene, Texas; preceded in death by his four brothers, William C., Clayton, James and Lee Starling.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 6, 2005, at First Baptist Church, Valdosta, with Dr. Phil West and the Rev. Mac Weaver officiating. Mr. Starling will lie in state at the church on Friday from 10:30 a.m. until service time. Burial will follow in McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. The Starling family will receive friends at the Carson McLane Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m. this evening. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of South Georgia. Condolences may be conveyed online at www.mclanefuneralservices.com. — Carson McLane Funeral Home.