Ralph Shiflett

COOKEVILLE CHAPEL - Ralph Shiflett, of Cookeville, Tennessee, and Charlottesville, Virginia, passed away in his sleep and went to meet his Savior on Valentines Day February 14, 2026. He was 89 years old. Born on January 11, 1937 in Albemarle County, VA to the late George Harvey Shifflett and Nelie Florence Shifflett, he was preceded in death by his four brothers; Ferrell Shiflett, Ed Shifflett, his twin brother, Randel Shiflett, Sherman Shifflett, and five sisters; Bulah Sprouse, Chellie Polonitza, Ruby Scruggs, Thelma Widener, and Nancy Thomas.

Ralph graduated from Albemarle High School. He married Jeane Tyson Shiflett with whom he had two daughters, Holly and Dana. He was in the Army for three years, lived in Japan and then re-enlisted in the Air Force during which time he lived in Turkey. His military experience led him to be hired as a field engineer at Bendix Corporation in Maryland, which was later Allied Signal Technical Corporation and is now Honeywell International, Inc. At Bendix, he traveled the world installing, maintaining, and testing equipment including the NASA Satellite Network. During this time, he also earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees through taking night classes. He stayed with Bendix for 32 years, eventually switching into Corporate Human Resources and traveling the country to universities where he recruited engineers for Bendix. He ended his career with Bendix in Las Cruces, New Mexico, working at NASA’s Data Relay Satellite System tracking station.

Ralph loved all kinds of travel and visited 6 continents, over 40 countries and all 50 states. He met his current partner, Cindy Lim, through golf, and he enjoyed golfing with his siblings weekly. Most of all, he loved his family. He never missed Thanksgiving, Christmas and Labor Day reunions with his huge tight-knit and entertaining family, monthly dinners with his siblings, and trips with his brothers. Ralph went to Machu Picchu when he was 80, took trips to China, Russia, and across Canada in his 70s, and was always up for fun trips with his daughters and grandkids. Ralph loved to laugh, tell stories and keep in touch with friends all over the world. In recent years, he stayed mentally and physically active through reading, daily walks, and competitive Rummikub with Cindy. Ralph valued hard work, showing up for people, being reliable and on time, and looking for ways to help others.

He is survived by his loving partner; Cindy Lim, a sister; Linda Shifflett, two daughters; Dana Johnson (Chris) and Holly Shiflett, three grandchildren; Grace, Jake and Allie Johnson; the mother of his children, Jeanie Shiflett, as well as the countless nieces and nephews that he adored.

His life will be celebrated with a close family gathering and at our next big family Thanksgiving. We’d also love to hear of any stories or memories from friends and family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Charlottesville/Albemarle Rescue Squadron. Ralph had an adventurous, blessed and fulfilling life and will be deeply missed. Psalm 23:6.

Hooper Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111. Share memories and condolences at www.hhhfunerals.com.