Ralph Wayne Thompson, 73, of Franklin passed away Sunday, November 6, 2011.

Born in Picken, Illinois, he was the son of the late Virgil Thompson and Amelia Lawson Thompson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Joshua Thompson. Ralph was a member of Higdonville Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife of 11 years, Eva Jones Thompson; two step sons, James Richard Cochran and Timothy Stephen Cochran both of Bryson City, NC; two brothers, Alan Thompson of Savannah, GA and Gary Thompson of Orlando, FL; sister-in-law, Mary Mashburn and husband Calvin of Franklin; brother-in-law, Harry Jones and wife Imogene of Bryson City; one step granddaughter, Leah Cochran; niece, Regina Price and several other nieces and nephews.

Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 9, in the Chapel of Macon Funeral Home. Rev. Mack Hutson will officiate. Burial will be in the Higdonville Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at Macon Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Richard Cochran, Tim Cochran, Harold Rayburn, Andy Berry, Calvin Mashburn and Greg Williams.

Memorial donations can be made to Macon Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses.

Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com