Extracted from The Statesman Journal (Salem, OR)
Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Ralph W. Atwood
August 3, 1917 - August 11, 2013

Ralph W. Atwood passed away on August 11th, 2013. He was born to his parents Thomas Judson Atwood and Versa Blanch Stringfellow on August 3, 1917 in Wesson, Arkansas. He had one brother Lamar.

Ralph played football at the University of Arkansas (1937-39). After graduating Ralph went on to serve during WWII in Europe as a Major in the U.S. Army where he became a participant in the Potsdam Conference with President Truman.

In 1946 Ralph moved his family to Salem where he started in business manufacturing and selling Grapette soft drinks. He sold this business a few years later and then began selling work gloves. He spent the rest of his business life developing various sales companies, manufacturing facilities and warehouses distributing hand protection and other industrial safety products. Oregon Glove, Red Steer Glove Company and Watershed Rainwear are names of just a few of these companies.

He is survived by his children: Judith Rose Propp (Lee); Ralph W. (Sandy) Atwood II, (Nancy); Mark Thomas Atwood (Mary Gene). And by his grandchildren: Mikal Harp, Michelle Harp-Johnson, Luke Atwood and Lucy Shaw and twenty great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in passing by his parents, his beloved wife of 71 years Rosemary Atwood and his brother Lamar T. Atwood.

The family will have a private ceremony.