Ralph Whitfield

Ralph Bennard Whitfield went to be with his heavenly Father December 22, 2025. He was born June 21, 1943 in Lloyd, Florida to Walter and Mattie Whitfield.

He moved to Bristol from Ashford, AL as a teenager. On August 22, 1963, he married his high school sweetheart, Olivia Johnson.

He served his country in the United States Air Force and later raised his family in Bristol.

Ralph was a man of many talents. He sold insurance early in his career and later became self-employed. He was hard working and always open to new opportunities and business ventures such as selling furniture, recycling and raising emus. He was still working every day at Whitfield Stakes until the end.

He was dedicated to his family and became his wife’s caregiver after she was diagnosed with a brain tumor and suffered a stroke. He was also very caring to others in the community and helped many with his quiet kindness and generosity.

Ralph could brighten up a room with his sense of humor. You could find him many mornings around the “liar’s table”, spinning tales and telling jokes at the Apalachee along with the rest of the regulars. He was loved and admired by many and will be sorely missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Mattie Whitfield; wife, Olivia Johnson Whitfield; son, Rex Whitfield; brothers, Rex, Norman, and Jack Whitfield; sisters, Hazel Whitfield, Imogene Tolar, Helen Danley and Semon Whitfield.

He is survived by his brother, Eddie Wayne Whitfield of Ashford, AL; son, Bradley (Michelle) Whitfield of Bristol; daughter, Rachel (Al) Bryant of Bristol; daughter-in-law, Meiko Whitfield of Bristol; his grandchildren, Hana (Toby) Williams of Tallahassee and Breyden, Sara and Mady Bryant of Bristol; great grandchildren, Skyler and Emiko Williams of Tallahassee and a host of nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be at First Baptist Church in Bristol Saturday, December 27th beginning at 1:00 pm ET, and funeral services to follow at 2:00 pm ET with Pastor Thomas Howell, Pastor Kyle Peddie and Brother Fred Watson officiating. Interment will follow in Bristol Cemetery with full military honors.