Crossville and Cumberland County have lost a great civic leader.

Ralph England passed away at the age of 91.

His first job in the mid-1950s was at Clyde’s Drive-in restaurant with his brother Clyde, a very popular eatery in Crossville for years and a favorite hangout for the local youth.

Ralph served as president of the Cumberland County Jaycees in the 1960s.

He also served on the Cumberland County Election Commission for 30 years. He also served as President of the Tennessee State Election Commission.

Ralph was a TSSAA basketball referee for about 15 years.

Ralph also served as Entertainment Director for the Cumberland County Fair Association for many decades and brought in many great crowd-pleasing musical acts for the annual fair over the years.

Ralph worked at Crossville Ford for several decades until his retirement in 2012 and even after retirement would transport customers for Crossville Ford.

To know Ralph England was to like him.  He never met a stranger. He deeply cared about his community and worked hard for anybody who needed him. Ralph cared most about his family. He lost the love of his life, Reba, seven years ago after being married for more than 64 years.

The funeral service for Ralph England will be announced soon by Bilbrey Funeral Home in Crossville.