Ralph McKerney Pride

RALPH McKERNEY PRIDE JR. was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico on July 27, 1952 to the late Ralph McKerney Pride Sr. and Earline Thomas Pride. He departed this life on February 3, 2006 at C.J.W. Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia after a brief illness. After his father, an airman, completed his assignment in New Mexico, Ralph returned with his parents to Baltimore. Ralph received his elementary and secondary education in the Baltimore City public schools. He graduated in 1970 from the nationally ranked Baltimore City College High School. Ralph attended Loyola College and in 1974 graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science. For a brief period Ralph attended Law School at the University of Maryland. Ralph was a boy scout and enjoyed outdoor camping with his father. Ralph loved exposing youth to the wonderful experiences he had enjoyed. Ralph worked at Camp Farthest Out for several summers. He was a valuable member of the camping staff. The camp was owned by Douglas Memorial Community Church, where Ralph attended Sunday school and church. As a young man he worked with the physically challenged. Ralph received the Urban Gardening Award for his work with the physically challenged in city gardening projects. As an adult Ralph held employment with the Baltimore Gas and Electric Company and International Business Machine Company. Ralph spoke German, a subject he had pursued throughout high school and college. Ralph was fortunate to have traveled through many parts of Europe including France, Italy, and the French Rivera. Ralph had a fine mind and was a master debater on many subjects. An example of his vast knowledge was apparent when he was a participant on the nationally televised quiz show "Jeopardy." Ralph knew how to present his point, yet never made anyone feel less. He always ended a discussion with a smile or a handshake and an agreement to talk again. In 1979 Ralph met the love of his life Priscilla Coger They were united in marriage on August 2, 1980. Their union was one of love and devotion from the beginning until the end. Ralph and Priscilla stood by each other and nourished each other's dreams. When Ralph wanted to explore his roots in the southwest, he and Priscilla moved to Houston, Texas. Ralph became self-employed in real estate and the moving business. While living in Houston, Ralph and Priscilla visited many historical parts of the southwest. Recognizing a downward economic turn in Houston, Ralph and Priscillia moved to Atlanta. Ralph always tried to give back to the community. While living in Atlanta Ralph received a civic award for his work in community improvements. After living in Atlanta for several years. Ralph and Priscilla decided to move closer to family. Ralph and Priscilla settled in Richmond, where they resided at the time of his death. Ralph was a nurturing older brother to his two sisters Vicki Lynn and Jennifer. He also set a fine example for his many cousins. His late maternal grandparents, with whom he spent valuable time during his formative years, cherished Ralph as he did them. Ralph basked in the love of his late paternal grandparents and loved being with them during his often visits to Washington, D.C. After the death of his sister Vicki, Ralph started and coordinated "Vicki's Pride," which collects and distributes hundreds of new toys for hospitalized children at Christmas. Ralph loved family. Many family members and old friends affectionately knew Ralph as "Kim." Ralph leaves to cherish his life and spirit: his wife of twenty-five years, Priscilla; his mother, Earline Pride; his sister, Jennifer Stockton; niece, Bethany Stockton; nephew, Jeremy Jackson; godmothers, Lorraine Green and Ruth Taylor; loving brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins and dedicated friends, Reverend Carrington Ash and William Pack.

Tributes

Ralph McKerney Pride

July 27, 1952 - February 3, 2006