Ralph Walls

Ralph Dean Walls, age 97, of Bel Air, Maryland, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 21, 2026.

Born in Bel Air, Maryland, Ralph was the son of the late James Arthur Walls and the late Frances Eula (Settle) Walls. He was the beloved husband of the late Betty Coomes Walls, with whom he shared a lifetime of love and devotion.

Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Walls; his father, J. A. Walls; his mother, Frances Walls; his sisters, Edith Roth and Evelyn Pardew; and his brother, Russell Walls.

He is survived by his loving children, Carol Bearden, Thomas Walls and his wife, Sharon, and Charles Walls and his wife, Nancy. He was a proud grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by his grandchildren. Matt Bearden (Cathy), Jeremy Bearden (Kelley), Katie Gugliotta (Joe), and Kelsey Smith (Hunter). He is also survived by his cherished great-grandchildren, Caroline Stuart (Matthew), Joey Bearden, Reid Bearden, Maggie Bearden, Mary Cooper Bearden, Olive Gugliotta, and Catherine Smith; and his great-great granddaughter, Mary Margaret Stuart. He leaves behind a large and loving family who will forever cherish his memory and the example he set throughout his life.

A devoted man of faith, Ralph was a longtime member of Oak Grove Baptist Church, where he faithfully served as a deacon, Chairman of the Deacons, member of the Southern Baptist Mission Board, President of the Maryland Baptist Convention, Sunday School teacher, and mentor to many. He loved the Gospel deeply and was widely respected for his ability to teach and share God's Word. His faith guided every aspect of his life and was evident in his service to both his church and community.

Ralph was a respected business and civic leader throughout Maryland. He was one of the founders of the Bank of Maryland and served as President of Plaza Ford Incorporated. His expertise in the automotive industry led him to serve on advertising committees for the Baltimore area Ford dealers and as Director of the ASSETT Training School for Ford Motor Company. In recognition of his leadership and accomplishments, he was honored as Time Magazine's Maryland Dealer of the Year in 1993.

His commitment to service extended beyond his professional career. Ralph served on the Upper Chesapeake Board of Directors and the Upper Chesapeake Foundation Board. He was also an active member and past President of the Bel Air Rotary Club, dedicating countless hours to improving his community.

Outside of his many accomplishments, Ralph was a man of numerous talents and interests. He was exceptionally skilled in woodworking and took great pride in crafting beautiful furniture that remains treasured by family and friends. An avid reader, he enjoyed learning and expanding his knowledge throughout his life.

Ralph embraced new hobbies with enthusiasm, taking up golf in his 60s and becoming an avid bowler. Whether at the bowling alley or competing in Wii bowling, he was known for his meticulous attention to form and technique. He also found great joy in gardening, cultivating beautiful gardens and growing vegetables, especially his prized tomatoes,

which he enjoyed using to make fresh tomato juice.

Above all else, Ralph was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather, whose greatest joy came from spending time with his family. His wisdom, kindness, faith, and unwavering devotion to those he loved will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Miracle League of Harford County, supporting its ballfield and programs for individuals with special needs and disabilities https://miracleleagueharford.org/donate/ 2202 Byton Court, Forest Hill, MD 21050