William R. (Ralph) Courie

William R. (Ralph) Courie, 76, went to meet his Heavenly Father on Father’s Day, June 17, 2012 surrounded by his loving family.

Ralph was a member of the Akron Baptist Temple, where his love and passion was working alongside his family in the Kidzone ministries. He was also a member of Wayfarer Lodge #789 F.& A.M., A.A.S.R. Valley of Canton, and a former member of T.O.P.S. Ohio #883 Akron.

Preceded in death by his son, William Ralph, Jr.; his parents, Fred and Vivian Courie; in-laws, Rodney and Laura Sands; brothers, Frederick, Robert, Samuel, Emerson, Charles, Albert, Harry, George, James and Kenneth; he is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Thelma P. (Sands); sister, Thelma (Arleigh); daughters, Julie (Robert), Denise (Mark), Paula and Tina; his pride and joy, grandchildren, Christine (Michael), Robert, Kandice, Craig, Aaron and Elizabeth; and precious great-grandchildren, Madeline, Caleb and Emma.

Friends may call at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home, 547 Canton Rd., Akron, OH 44312 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, where a Masonic service will take place at 7 p.m. Funeral service will be held Friday, 11 a.m., at Akron Baptist Temple with Pastor Mike Prebynski officiating. Additional visitation at the church Friday from 10 a.m. until service time. Burial will take place at Hillside Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Akron Baptist Temple, 2324 Manchester Rd., Akron, OH 44314.