Harold Edward Ralls (Plainview)

The most appropriate three words to describe my father are hard-working, loyal and compassionate. Harold was an amazing, hardworker and provider for his family. He could be found in the bitter cold or the sweltering heat walking the trains at the railroad, or sitting atop a tractor for long hours plowing fields. In his later years, he spent countless hours working and managing his bars/clubs.

Harold found two great loves during his life. In his 20s, he met Judi Hirshfield in Chicago, Illinois. Unfortunately, after many years of sickness, his wife passed away in 1988. Soon thereafter, he met Betty Daniel of Plainview, Texas through mutual friends. Together they created a blended family with seven children, survived by; Tanya Chapman of Clearwater, Florida, Kelly Bragg of Fort Worth, Texas, John Daniel of Plainview, Texas, Robert Daniel of Lubbock, Texas, Walter Daniel of Plainview, Texas, Joel Daniel of Lubbock. Fourteen grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren followed. He is preceded in death by his parents; Harmon and Marie Ralls, his late wife; Judith Ann Hirshfield – Ralls, and his daughter; Ruth Moon. Harold was an avid, hunter and fisherman. His prey of choice was dear, rabbit, and squirrel. He loved the thrill of reeling in a huge catfish or crappie as well. He stood proudly and eagerly as he prepared his catches in the kitchen. But above all, Harold had a passion for an ice-cold beer or a tall glass of whiskey and Coke, as well as a Marlboro cigarette. He could always be found sporting a huge smile with his twinkling baby blue eyes, with a beer in one hand and a cigarette in the other.

He was often heard saying, “bless her/his heart.” He was a compassionate man who cared about others. Another phrase was, “I don’t know, I just don’t know”, as he was perplexed by the changes in the world.

Harold was one of fifteen children born to Herman and Marie Ralls of Southern Illinois. He helped work and maintain the farm from an early age, as most children did during that era. He became a printer and then an employee of the Burlington Northern Railroad. During his small window of downtime, he was an avid gardener. He always grew large productive crops that fed our family and friends. The world’s best tomatoes were grown in his backyard garden.

Harold possessed many quality traits that set him apart. His kindness, generosity, and resilience set high standards for his family.

So many things will be missed by Harold’s passing. Most notably, the smell of smoke, his gorgeous blue eyes and his infectious laughter. Our lives will never be the same.