OAK RIDGE, Tenn. — Ralph Byron Farrar, 88, of Oak Ridge, Tenn., passed away December 24, 2012.

He retired from Martin Marietta Energy Systems in 1990 after 37 years as an analytical chemist at the K-25 Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Oak Ridge and the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant at Paducah, Ky. Ralph was a graduate of Memphis State University with a master’s degree from Vanderbilt University.

When on assignment to Paducah, he met Roberta Tucker at the Clements Street Church of Christ. They were married there on December 28, 1956. Ralph was born to DeWitt Granville and Inez Farrar on June 5, 1924 in Dyer, Tenn., where he grew up and later worked at the nearby Milan Ordnance Center during World War II. Ralph was a longtime member and elder of the New York Avenue Church of Christ in Oak Ridge where he taught the 8th grade class for many years and was very active in the work of the church. He also worked with Boy Scout Troup 220.

He enjoyed the mountains, hiking, and camping. After retirement, he and Roberta traveled with friends over much of the U.S. He lived his life very much in accordance with his favorite Bible verses, Eph. 4:32, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you,” and Rom. 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Ralph is survived by his wife, Roberta, and their son, Mike Farrar, daughter-in-law Donna, and granddaughter Joanne, sister, Geraldine Hall, brother-in-law John, nephew John Bob Hall, nieces Carol McDonald and Beth Parnell; and, many other family and friends that will miss him sorely.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, December 28, 2012, 8 p.m. in the chapel of Weatherford Mortuary. The graveside service will be held on Saturday, 11 a.m. at Oak Ridge Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at Weatherford Mortuary, Oak Ridge, Tenn. An online guest book may be signed at weatherfordmortuary.com.