Ralph C. McAfee

Ralph C. McAfee, 94, of Port Tobacco, Maryland, passed away on Sunday, April 13, 2025 at the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center in La Plata. Born on May 8, 1930 in Wilson, Arkansas, he was preceded in death by his parents, Fred Douglas McAfee and Lou Ella McAfee, and 2 brothers and 5 sisters. Ralph served in U. S. Navy during the Korean War, where he was trained in electronics. After being Honorably Discharged in 1953, he used his GI Bill to further his education at Central Technical Institute in Kansas City MO. He was recruited by The Collins Radio Company of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, then proceeded to Dallas Texas for further training he worked for Collins Radio for 10 years, initially travelling to different locations in the US installing communication systems. Eventually Ralph made his way to Andrews Air Force Base in MD, installing and later maintaining the communications system for Brigadier Generals and above, including Air Force One. After several years on site, he transferred to the Federal Government as an Electronic Equipment Specialist. After over 30 years of Government service, he retired as Site Engineer of Andrews Satellite Receiver Site located in Brandywine MD. Ralph was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. He lovingly supported his wife through 71 years of marriage, raised five children, and participated in the rearing of nine grandchildren. He loved the holidays, family vacations, camping trips with friends and neighbors, as he truly enjoyed being surrounded by the ones that he loved. Ralph had a great sense of humor up to the very end and was always making the room laugh. He was an avid fisherman, crabber, and hunter. His hobbies included gardening, windsurfing, and teaching his kids and grandkid how how to waterski. He was a member of the La Plata United Methodist Church and loved to work the church food pantry. Ralph is survived by his beloved wife of 71 years, Judith Walker McAfee; children Brenda Gale McAfee (Denny Charnock), Ralph Glenn McAfee, Cynthia Louise Smigaj (Phillip), Kathy Suzanne Cahn (Russell), and Steven Frank McAfee (Ashley); grandchildren Sheila, Melissa, Jessica, David, Dylan, Alex, Suzy, Bruce, and Amy; great grandchildren Lilith, Grace, Isla Sue, Hazel, Garrett, and Axel; great-great granddaughter Rosalie. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 11AM at the La Plata United Methodist Church, 3 Port Tobacco Road, La Plata, Maryland 20646 with the Reverend Dr. Susan Boyle officiating. A private interment will be held at a later date.

Ralph C. McAfee

May 8, 1930 - April 13, 2025