Ralph Wynkop

Ralph Wynkop, 89, of Port Saint Lucie, Florida passed away April 25, 2016.

He lived in Saint Lucie County since 1983, coming from Hialeah, Florida.

Mr. Wynkop was a U.S. Navy 30-year veteran serving during World War II, Korea and Vietnam Wars. During his career in the U.S. Navy, he served aboard USS Bastion, USS YMS 44, USS Carmick, and the USS Thompson. During the Vietnam War, he was a Gator Navy sailor, evacuating French troops out of Cambodia. Military honors include; American and European Theater Ribbons, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Victory Medal, Asia Occupation and China Service Medals, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, Philippine Defense Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Ralph was a life member of the VFW and past Commander of American Legion Post 40 in Fort Pierce, Florida.

Ralph was loved by all who met him, and leaves a legacy of cherished memories to his family and friends. He was a consummate story teller, and loved to make up songs which he often sang to family and friends.

Of his many accomplishments in life, Ralph was most proud of his daughters and grandchildren. He loved attending events with Andrew and Ethan, and was most proud of their academic accomplishments. He had a special place in his heart for his “favorite” granddaughter, Faith. Any visitor to his home had to take a look at his “rouges gallery”, which included photos of his U.S. Marine grandsons, Christopher and Michael, and his U.S. Navy grandson, Alex.

Survivors include his dearly loved daughters, Kate Priest and fiancée, Greg Wadley of Port Saint Lucie, Florida, Patricia Murphy and husband Roger of Stuart, Florida, and Christine Vicars and husband Gary of Sebastian, Florida; his treasured grandchildren, Andrew and Ethan Priest, Christopher and Michael Athorne, and Alexander and Faith West. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Deborah Wynkop and his faithful four-legged companion, Amber; mother, Maude and father, George, sisters, Georgia, Della and Ruby and brothers, Harry, David and Robert.

In lieu of flowers; memorial contributions may be made to Treasure Coast Hospice Counseling Services; http://www.tchospice.org/ , Southeast Florida Honor Flight; http://www.honorflightsefl.org/ , or the American Legion Post 40/40&8 Scholarship Fund; http://www.legion.org/scholarships .
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Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Haisley Funeral and Cremation Services Tribute Center 2041 SW Bayshore Blvd Port Saint Lucie, Florida 34984. www.haisleyfuneralhome.com .