Ralph Taylor Dameron

STAUNTON, VA Ralph Taylor "Rat" Dameron, 65, husband of Carolyn Elizabeth (Bartley) Dameron of 176 Belle Vista Drive, died Thursday, June 12, 2014, at his residence. He was born December 31, 1948, in Augusta County, a son of the late Wallace Houston and Elsie Lee (Thomas) Dameron. Mr. Dameron was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He served in Vietnam in 1968 during the Tet Offensive and was a recipient of the Purple Heart. Prior to retirement, he was employed by Guy C. Eavers as a heavy equipment operator. Ralph was a member of Greenville Baptist Church where he was head usher and trustee. He was also a lifetime member of the Purple Heart Association, the VFW and Amvet. In addition to his wife, family members include a daughter and son-in-law, Tonya A. and Gary W. Wheeler of Churchville; two grandchildren, Zachary C. and Lucas W. Wheeler; two step grandchildren and their spouses, Christopher and Brittany Wheeler and Traci and Chris Jefferson; three great grandchildren, and two sisters, Betty Allen and Mary Taylor, both of Stuarts Draft; and a special buddy, Avery Wheeler. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, Charles A. Dameron and two brother's-in-laws, Sonny Taylor and M.T. Allen. A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 19, 2014 in Mt. Carmel Presbyterian Church by the Rev. Earl Monroe. A Military honors team will conduct rites at the graveside. Active pallbearers will be Kenny Mays, Paul Crosby, Don Hammer, Kim Deshano, Bill Mitchell, and Johnnie Fretwell. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18, 2014 in Henry Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.henryfuneralhome.net .