Ralph Siler Claiborne, age 90, of the Fincastle community of LaFollette, passed away on Thursday morning, January 1, 2026 at Cumberland Village Health and Rehab. He was a long-time member of Fincastle Global Methodist Church. Ralph was a farmer and school bus operator in Campbell County for 43 years and had a private pilots license. He loved to work on things and was an excellent mechanic and he also loved bluegrass music, particularly bluegrass gospel. Ralph stopped his college education so his wife Juanita could complete her college degrees.

Preceded in death by his beloved wife of almost 69 years Juanita (Epperson) Claiborne,

His daughter Cheryl Claiborne Liles, parents: Frank and Rachel (Siler) Claiborne, sister: Fay Jean Claiborne, father and mother-in-law: John and Bertha (Peavley) Epperson.

Survived by

Son: Rick Claiborne and girlfriend Janet Lindsay

Son-in-law: David Liles

Several cousins, other relatives and many friends

Thank you to the staff of Amedysis Home Health Care and Cumberland Village Health and Rehab for their care of Ralph. A special word of thanks and appreciation for those who showed extra kindness to Ralph by their words and actions, it really meant a lot!

In lieu of flowers the family asks you make a donation to the charity of your choice.

The visitation for Ralph will be 1-3 PM Tuesday, January 6, 2026 in the chapel of

Cross-Smith Funeral Home with Funeral Service at 3 PM, Rev. Jim Mullens, Rev. Steve Evans officiating. Interment to follow the service at Fincastle Cemetery.

Arrangements by Cross-Smith Funeral Home

Condolences may be given online for the family of Ralph Claiborne at

http://www.cross-smithfuneralhome.com

One Reply to “Ralph Siler Claiborne, age 90, of the Fincastle”

  1. I’m so sorry to hear this. Ralph was the driver of bus #2 when I was growing up. It would be packed by the time I got picked up. Always found room for me 2nd grade. Couldn’t get my umbrella closed one morning was crying & Ralph parked the bus & closed it for me & we headed off. I’ve never forgotten that, I got to tell him years later when I ran into Juanita & Ralph out somewhere. Both were such good people. R.I.P.

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