Richard Ralph Baughman

Richard Ralph (Wolfgang) Baughman, 81 of Rantowles, South Carolina, died on Tuesday, September 6th, 2016. His funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Chaplin Cemetery on Johns Island. The family will receive family and friends Friday on September 9, 2016 in J. HENRY STUHR INC., WEST ASHLEY CHAPEL 3360 Glenn McConnell Parkway from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Ralph was born on November 3, 1934 in Rantowles, SC, son of the late John Robert and Rosalie Chaplin Baughman, Sr. He attended Rantowles Elementary School and graduated from St. Paul's High School in 1952. Ralph attended Clemson College when it was an all-male military college and entered the United States Army in February 1956. After completing his basic training and AIT School, he went to Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, for paratrooper training with the 101st Airborne Division, 501st Signal Battalion. He trained and jumped at many bases, mostly with the 82nd Airborne Division at Ft. Bragg, NC and several other bases, mainly in the United States. He was Honorably Discharged in March 1962. After his military service, Ralph was employed by Esso Standard Oil Company (later Exxon). A significant aspect of his career at Exxon was his supervisory role in 1989 at Prince William Sound, Alaska, where he helped coordinate the cleanup of the Supertanker Valdez oil spill. Ralph retired from Exxon in 1991. Upon his retirement, Ralph's love of people led him to volunteer with Roper Hospital for five years. He also worked with Stuhr Funeral Home for several years as a Service Associate and Greeter. Ralph was a member of the Charleston Area Exxon Mobile Annuitants Club, life member of Elks Lodge #242, and the 82nd Airborne Division Association. Most recently, he enjoyed time spent working on his farm and taking care of his animals at Rantowles, SC.

Ralph was blessed with an expansive family, each of whom were touched by his incredible ethics and unmatched strength and character. He taught humility, kindness, faith, and the importance of education. His sense of humor was prevalent in each of his interactions.

Ralph's favorite Bible passage: May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord let his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord look kindly upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6: 24-26.

He is survived by his children, Richard Baughman (Angie), Tammy Baughman Thomas, Kenneth Baughman, Martha Baughman Thomas (Kip), and Gary Baughman, seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Ronald McDonald House, 81 Gadsden Street, Charleston, SC 29401 or The Canterbury House, 175 Market Street, Charleston, SC 29401.