Ralph Blalock

Ralph Blalock, age 92, of Lakeland, Florida passed away on September 6, 2025. He was born on September 18, 1932 in Jackson, Mississippi and was raised in Ocala, Florida. He graduated from Ocala High School, Class of 1951, where he excelled in Varsity Basketball and Swimming, while working at Silver Springs. He attended the University of Florida before being drafted by the US Army into the Korean War. He was honorably discharged after two years of service in Korea. Ralph enrolled in Western Kentucky University and met his wife, Patricia. After graduating with a degree in Business Administration and Accounting, they moved to Lakeland, FL for Ralph to begin his banking career at Florida National Bank. Ralph worked at Florida National Bank for 30 years, serving as Bank President for 15 years. He continued to serve as Bank President when First Union acquired Florida National Bank. Ralph took early retirement from First Union to become the President of Peoples Bank and negotiated the sale of Peoples Bank to Huntington Bank and later the merger to Truist Bank. Ralph served on the Truist Bank Board until he met the required age limit for Truist Board members.

Ralph served on the Board of Directors at Lakeland Regional Health and served as the Board Chairman. He also served as the Vice President of the Lakeland Regional Health Foundation. He was a charter member of the South Lakeland Rotary Club, serving as President. He was a Director of the Chamber of Commerce and served on the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority as Vice Chairman. Ralph served on the Board of the Florida Bankers Association and was a three-term board member of the Lakeland Yacht and Country Club. Ralph was a member and President of the Florida Southern College Basketball 6th Man Club. He was a past Director of the University of South Florida Advisory Board. Ralph served three terms as the Senior Warden of St. David’s Episcopal Church and 19 years as the church Treasurer. For the past 35 years, Ralph was a member of All Saint’s Episcopal Church where he served on the Vestry. He found time to enjoy coaching City of Lakeland Little League baseball, hunting, fishing, golfing and playing tennis. He loved his beach retreat in Boca Grande where his family created many fond memories. In his later years, Ralph enjoyed meeting for breakfast three days a week with a large group of close friends at Fred’s.

Ralph was predeceased by his wife, Patricia Blalock, parents, J.D. and Linnie Blalock, his brother Bill Blalock and his son-in-law, David Curtis. He is survived by his daughter Jil Curtis-Bevis (Robert); son Paul Blalock (Randy) and grandchildren Grayson Curtis, Parker Blalock, Ellie Blalock and Rylan Bevis.

The family would like to thank Lakeland Regional Health, Good Shepherd Hospice, and Helping Hands caregivers, Holly, Marissa and Silvanna for their personal care and service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to All Saints Episcopal Church, 202 S. Massachusetts Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33801 or Parker Street Ministries, 719 N. Massachusetts Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33801.

A private family service will be held to celebrate the life of Ralph Blalock.