Ralph Eggleston
Ralph Gordon Eggleston, Jr., went to be with the Lord on May 20, 2026, at North Woods Village Memory Care in Mishawaka, Indiana at the age of 79. He was born in Elkhart, Indiana, on December 26,1946 to Ralph Gordon Eggleston, Sr. and Gladys Mary (McKinney) Eggleston.
A devoted family man, Ralph shared 54 wonderful years of marriage with his late wife, Julie Eggleston (Julia Connolly), who preceded him in death in 2023. Having met and married in Northern Indiana, they relocated to Arizona in 1985 where they raised their family. Together, they built a life centered around love, mutual support, and family values.
Ralph was raised in Elkhart. He graduated as Salutatorian from Jimtown High School in 1965 where he lettered in basketball, cross country, baseball and sang in the choir. His stated ambition was “to be successful” and he achieved this ambition over his lifetime.
Ralph’s professional life was marked by his commitment to integrity and a strong work ethic. He attended Indiana University and graduated from the University of Missouri in 1969 then worked to become a Certified Public Accountant. In his early career he worked for McGladrey Accounting Firm, then for Skyline Corporation in Elkhart. After relocating to Arizona in 1986, he became an entrepreneur, running his own accounting practice, then working in a manufacturing business that he owned with his wife Julie and their son Patrick for 30 years.
Known for his generosity and sense of humor, Ralph made an impact on his family and all those who knew him as loyal friend, employer, and mentor. He was heavily involved in churches for his entire adult life including Twin City Baptist Church of Mishawaka, First Baptist Church of Mishawaka and First Baptist Church of Tempe. He served in many capacities including deacon, choir member, Sunday School teacher, youth leader, finance committeeman, AWANA leader, even church bus driver.
After his retirement and the death of his wife Julie, Ralph relocated back to the Elkhart area with his son Patrick, to be near the family he loved.
He is survived by his loving sons, Patrick Aaron Eggleston and Brian Paul Eggleston; his cherished grandchildren, Stephen Andrew Martinez, Emilly Katherine Martinez, and Parker Addison Eggleston; his brothers, James Herbert (Kathleen) Eggleston and William Samuel (Barbara) Eggleston; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and longtime friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Julie; his parents; and his brother, Eugene Leroy Eggleston.
Ralph’s earthly body will be laid to rest next to his wife Julie’s body in Syracuse, Indiana, which was Julie’s hometown, and where they spent many happy times together. Their souls are reunited in Heaven, along with many Christian friends and loved ones.