James Ralph Lacks, 87, died Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at North Mississippi Medical Center. Born on October 24, 1936, on Straight Mountain in Alabama, he is the son of John and Ethel Moses Lacks. Soon after graduating from Altonna High School, he joined the Blue Bell Manufacturing team. In 1956, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. His most memorable time during his service was being stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska during the Cold War, often sharing stories of working on the U-2 “spy” planes. On June 24, 1960, he married the former, Elizabeth Lloyd; they were just shy of celebrating 64 years of marriage. Following his time in the service, he rejoined Blue Bell, later renamed Vanity Fair, and after 44 years of employment, he retired. Ralph was a member of South Green Baptist Church, during his long tenure he was not only faithful but also served the church in many ways including being a Deacon for many years. Ralph was a great outdoorsman and an athlete in his younger years, in his later years he was a dedicated Alabama Crimson Tide sports fan. Although he will be remembered for his vivid storytelling, he was best known as a kind-hearted man who adored his family.
Ralph is survived by his wife of 63 years, Elizabeth; three children, Sandi Sparks of Frederick, Maryland, Suzy Guntharp of Oxford, and Steve Lacks and his wife, Breca, of Mooreville; five grandchildren, Lindsay Lacks, Gabe Lacks, Noah Guntharp and his wife, Hannah, Grace Guntharp, Seth Guntharp and his wife, Sicily; three great-grandchildren, Luca Smith, Robin Lacks, and Shiloh Jo Guntharp; and one brother, Bill Lacks and his wife, Patsy of Oneonta, Alabama.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and three sisters, Willodeen, Linda Sue, and Virginia.
Visitation will be 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday, May 30, 2024, at Pegues, Tupelo.
A service honoring his life will be 11 a.m. Friday, May 31, 2024, at the Jefferson Street Chapel of Pegues with Bro. Guyton Hinds officiating.
Graveside services will be 12 p.m. Saturday, June 1, 2024, at Oak Hill Cemetery, Oneonta, Alabama with Chaplain Don Jones officiating.
