Douglas Ralph Comer, Sr., a compassionate, loving and playful spirit, left us to ride his Harley through the gates of heaven and reunite with the love of his life, Doris C. Comer, on January 8, 2025 in Newport News, Virginia. Ralph was born on November 7, 1934 in Page County, Virginia, the eldest son of Sherman and Mamie Comer. He has a surviving sister, Anna Mae Strickler. He is also survived by his children: Caren C. Cereghino (Al), Douglas R. Comer, Jr. (Cheryl), and Ricky C. Comer (Lori). Additionally, he is survived by his six grandchildren: Caitlin, Kamryn, Brendan, Chelsea, Dylan, Conrad and one great granddaughter, Marla. He is preceded in death by his parents Sherman Lee Comer, Sr. and Mamie Housden Comer, brothers Joseph, Randall, and Sherman Jr., and wife Doris C. Comer.

He grew up on the family farm near Shenandoah, Virginia, a place which was dear to his heart. It was so important to him that he purchased land from his uncle to provide his children and family a place to gather on the Shenandoah River. This beautiful riverfront site, termed “The River Bottom”, has provided a legacy for generations of families to camp, build memories and remain close.

Ralph graduated from Stanley High School in 1953 and was enrolled in the Newport News Apprentice School. Ralph married Doris C. Comer on August 17th, 1957, and they shared 59 years together building a beautiful life. He graduated in 1958 and received the Niels Christiansen Craftsman award. Ralph spent 41 years working first as a Hull Designer and later as a Supervisor of Shipbuilding at Newport News Shipbuilding.

Ralph was known for his love of adventure, his long-winded stories, and his “wobbly wheel” tours while listening to Merle Haggard. He delighted in the simple pleasures of life, including coffee, peanut butter and hot sauce. Above all, he treasured his family and friends, embraced life with an open heart, and enjoyed every moment to the fullest. As a devoted husband, Ralph patiently supported Doris in all her pursuits, and the two shared countless evenings dancing and exploring the world. He was esteemed for his service, as he devoted a significant amount of time supporting homeless shelters via PORT (People Offering Resources Together) in Newport News, Virginia. He will be remembered for his caring spirit, his refusal to live with regrets, and the joy he brought to those around him.

We are so lucky he was ours. His laughter will echo in our memories, his stories will carry on and he will always be remembered as the best husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather around.

So in the words of Ralph: “Ain’t that somethin’”.

Family requests that in lieu of flowers to please donate to PORT (People Offering Resources Together) through LINK of Hampton Roads at linkhr.org or a charity of your choice.

JOB 42:2 “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.”