Ralph Vega Obituary (1950 - 2024) - Beaufort, South Carolina

Ralph Vega, age 73, passed away on Monday, April 8, 2024 at Sprenger Health Care Port Royal located in Beaufort, South Carolina. The family will receive friends on Monday, April 15, 2024 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Anderson Funeral Home. Graveside funeral services will be held at Beaufort National Cemetery on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at 1:00 PM with full military honors. Son of Ramon Jose Vega and Alicia Morales Vega, Ralph Vega was born on September 27, 1950 in New York City, New York. After graduation from Aviation High School in New York City, New York, he entered into the Marine Corps as an aircraft mechanic, proudly serving during the Vietnam War. He later served as a Drill Instructor on Parris Island where he trained countless Marines. Following his time in the military, he worked numerous construction jobs in Beaufort and throughout the state of South Carolina. He married his wife Vivian Vega on December 30, 1974 in Prince William County, Virginia. During their 49 year marriage, they were blessed with three children and two grandchildren. He worked tirelessly to make sure they were cared for and loved every day. You could often find Ralph sharing stories about his time in the military at the local VFW. He enjoyed fishing, crabbing, and shrimping, which he often did after a long day at work. He frequented Hunting Island beaches during the summers, where he taught his children to swim. His favorite place to be was at his home, specifically in the workshop he built. There he he created anything and everything, from his daughter's first dollhouse, to household furniture, and even his own fishing boat. He enjoyed gardening for many years, often sharing the fruits of his labor with his neighbors and friends. He enjoyed a fine cigar while cooking steaks over the grill, and felt most free while driving his truck listening to the sounds of Isaac Hayes or Prince. Ralph's family will enjoy the many memories they created with him over the years as he shared his hobbies and love of Beaufort with them. He was preceded in death by his father, Ramon Jose Vega, mother, Alicia Morales Vega, sister, Isabel Flores, sister, Zulma Flores, brother, Wilfred Flores, brother, Ulyses Flores, brother, Jose Vega, and brother, Israel Vega. He is survived by his wife Vivian Vega, daughter Clarissa Vega Bennett (Jameel Bennett), son Ralph Jose Vega, daughter Carmen Vega Antley (Leonard Antley), grandson Jameel K. Bennett, Jr., grandson Jabriel K. Bennett, sister Rose Alice Vega Cruz, sister Milta Vega Lopez, sister Nilda Vega Wagonhauser, a multitude of nieces and nephews, and his beloved chihuahua Padme. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the Disabled American Veterans, a nonprofit organization that works to assist other military veterans in accessing the healthcare, disability, and financial benefits they earned. Visit their website at: https://www.dav.org/. Click this link to view additional details about Ralph's Services: https://my.gather.app/remember/ralph-vega