Tributes

Keiffer – Ralph Jack Keiffer, Jr., age 80, of Macclenny, Florida went home to be with his Lord and Savior on May 17, 2020 at the Douglas Center for Community Hospice at Baptist Medical Center in Jacksonville, Florida. He was born March 1, 1940 in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Ralph J. Keiffer, Sr. and Frances Hedges Keiffer. Ralph graduated from Shaw High School East in 1958 and went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree from John Carroll University in 1966 and his Master’s degree from Case Western Reserve University in 1968. Ralph also had 30 graduate hours with the University of North, Florida. Ralph was a special education teacher in Ohio, Texas, and Florida for over 34 years before retiring due to poor health. He also began the first profoundly mentally handicap program for children under the Public School of Highland County, FL. Ralph honorably served his country for 8 years in the 302nd Ordnance Group US Army Reserves and 1 year in the 53rd Brigade Florida National Guard. Ralph was married to the love of his life, Patricia, of 34 years and they were members of Calvary Baptist Church. Ralph loved God, his family, his church family, and his Pastor Rev. Donnie Williams. Ralph loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. His hobbies were metal detecting and researching family history. Ralph is preceded in death by his parents; step sisters, Mary Kay Schroeder and Debbie Schroeder. Ralph is survived by his wife, Patricia L. Keiffer of Macclenny, FL; children, Ralph (Kathy) Keiffer, Patricia (John) Allender, Kristine Keiffer, and Tracie (Jeff) Henderson; brother, Richard (Kathleen) Keiffer; step brother, Jim Schroeder; half-brothers, Gregory (Chris) Keiffer and Jeffery Keiffer; half-sister, Cindy Keiffer; step sister, Terrie (David) Murphy; grandchildren, Heather, Jessica, Nichole, Freddie, Fallon, Kendall and Reagan; 9 great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Ralph’s Life will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church with Reverend Donnie Williams officiating. Interment will follow at Macedonia Cemetery. The family will receive friends on hour prior to service at the church. Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. TODD FERREIRA FUNERAL SERVICES, 250 North Lowder Street, Macclenny, FL 32063 (904)259-5700. Visit www.ferreirafuneralservices.com to sign the family’s guest book.

Tributes

Mr. Ralph Jack Keiffer Jr.

March 1, 1940 - May 17, 2020