Ralph Jackson Plemons Jr.

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Ralph Jackson Plemons, Jr. (also known as Jackie, Jack, or R.J.) depending on what point in his life you met him, on Saturday, July 22, 2023. We take solace in knowing that his illness and trials on earth are over and he is safe in the arms of Jesus. Jack was born September 22, 1959, to parents Ralph and Annie Sue (Stewart) Plemons. He was welcomed by his older sister Deborah, who was always so very proud of him. His Sissy loved him dearly, proving this by the tireless care she provided over the past 8 months. Jack was a lifelong resident of the Rockledge Community in Etowah County, AL. He was of the Baptist faith. He was a 1977 graduate of Sardis High School. After graduation, he attended Coosa Valley Tech School in Rome, GA where he trained to become a certified welder. Jack traveled the country working factory shutdowns before becoming a business owner. As President of Rod Shop Performance Center, Inc. (formerly known as Sand Mountain Rod Shop), he traveled the street rod circuit, attending the NSRA and Goodguys events and selling the stainless-steel mufflers and exhaust products manufactured by his company. He held a U S Patent for his muffler design and received the Patent of the Year Award issued by the U S Patent Service. He also became known throughout the state of Florida for his Airboat muffler design. Jack’s lifelong sport of choice was drag racing, both on and off the track. His was a member in good standing of Attalla Masonic Lodge #383. Jack was known by many and recognized wherever he went. He had many friends and acquaintances from all walks of life. He never met a stranger. Of all the jobs and titles he held and names he was called, the one that meant the most to him was “Mr. R.J.”, Bus Driver for Ivalee and the Etowah County School System. When he took the job in 2012, he hoped to have a positive impact on his students and riders. It turned out they impacted his life in a far greater way. He was so proud to see his kids grow and learn. The bonds formed with some of them will far outlast his life on earth and hopefully become his legacy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph Jackson Plemons and Annie Sue (Stewart) Plemons. He leaves behind to cherish his memories his sister, Deborah Jenkins, niece, Amy M. Phillips and Heather A. (Micah) Fincher, great nieces, Anna Clare Phillips and Julia Catherine Phillips and longtime companion of over 40 years; Kathy Bowen. We would also like to thank everyone, especially the staff of Hospice of Alabama, that supported all of us through this journey but one very special caregiver, LeeAnne Ledbetter. LeeAnne was with us from the week we brought him home until his passing and she is family forever. His Funeral Service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at Etowah Memorial Chapel with burial to follow at Hillcrest Cemetery. Visitation will be 10 until 11 before the service at the funeral Home. Chaplain Nelson and Butch Dixon will be officiating. Pallbearers will be Chris Davenport, Brett Boggs, Shane Turner, Roger Lay, Greg Roberson and Tim Hudgins. Honorary pallbearers will be Ronnie Knight and Micah Fincher. In Lieu of Flowers please make donations to The Big Oak Ranch or St. Jude’s Hospital. Etowah Memorial Chapel Directing

Ralph Jackson Plemons Jr.

September 22, 1959 - July 22, 2023