Dr. Ralph W. Simonton, Jr., age 84, of Portland, passed away February 11, 2008, at Portland Medical Center. He was born in Somerville, Tex., on December 23, 1923, to the late Ralph W. and Gertrude May Pickett Simonton.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Mary Simonton; and sister, Mary Carolyn Simonton. He is survived by his children, Anne (John) Marlin of Portland, Dr. Ralph W. Simonton, III, of Portland, Dr. Susan Simonton of Minneapolis, Minn.; 4 grandchildren, Kelley Marlin (Brett) Alexander of Richmond, Va., Bryan (Carrie) Marlin of Hendersonville, Kari Marlin of Bowling Green, Ky., James Marlin of Austin, Tex.; great grandchildren, Zebediah Alexander, Cash Alexander, Maddox Marlin; sisters, Dorothy Johnson of Fayetteville, Tenn., Jessie Daniel of Charlotte, N.C.

Dr. Simonton practiced medicine in the Portland area for 54 years, retiring at the age of 76. He was a retired member of the AMA, TMA, Sumner County Medical Society, Southern Medical Association, and the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association.

He was an avid golfer, he enjoyed working his farm and his Tennessee Walking Horses.

Visitation will be 10 a.m., until 6 p.m., Wednesday, February 13, 2008.  

Funeral service will be 2 p.m., Thursday, February 14, 2008, at Wilkinson & Wiseman Funeral Home. Interment will be at Maple Hill Cemetery.