Ralph Molloy Coursey Jr., 78, of Viola passed away at his home on Nov. 7 after a long battle with cancer fought with grace and bravery.

Ralph was born on May 29, 1943 in Bedford County to the late Ralph M. Coursey Sr. and Norma Virginia Vincent Coursey. He served in the Tennessee National Guard and was a retired insurance agent for American General and AFLAC.

Ralph was a longtime resident of Viola and was deeply rooted in the community. An avid gun enthusiast and promoter of gun safety, Ralph founded Violey Valley Shooting Range in 1989. He was a compassionate person who loved caring for unwanted dogs and in 2003 he co-founded Viola Valley Dogs, Inc., a no-kill animal rescue.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Linda Coursey, son Jeff Coursey of Viola, daughter Christie (Rhea) Thompson of Fayetteville, granddaughter Virginia Thompson of Fayetteville, sisters Jean Pruitt of Shelbyville, and Judy (Monty) Hendon of Gallatin.

It is Ralph’s wishes to be cremated and buried in the Brown Family Cemetery. A celebration of life event will be planned at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to Viola Valley Dogs, Inc. P.O. Box 39, Viola, TN 37394. Online condolences may be left at www.highfuneralhome.com.

High Funeral Home and High’s Cremations are in charge of arrangements.

Southern Standard

(McMinnville, Tenn.) Nov. 10, 2021