Ralph Harman “Pete” Keplinger, Jr., 74, of Franklin passed away on March 18, 2025, at the Bridgewater Retirement Community in Bridgewater, Virginia.
He was born on Aug. 15, 1950, in Smoke Hole (Upper Tract), the son of the late Dora Vesta (Alt) and Ralph Harman Keplinger, Sr.
Mr. Keplinger was a 1968 graduate of Franklin High School and a member of the Friends Run Church of the Brethren, where he served as a deacon and trustee.
He retired in 2012 after 26 years of service as a bridge maintenance supervisor for West Virginia Department of Highways. He had previously worked as a meat cutter for Pic Pac and IGA. He had also worked on the Bath County Pump Storage Project and Switzer Dam Water Project.
He was an avid West Virginia University, Dolphins, and Orioles fan. He also had a passion for the great outdoors and enjoyed gardening, hunting and fishing. He took pride in his family and loved making memories with them and will leave them with his legacy of love.
He was a member of the Pendleton Lodge #144 AF & AM, The Order of the Eastern Star #138, Scottish Rite 32° of Clarksburg, Shriners Legion of Honor International, and The Potomac Highland Shriners Club.
He was a veteran of the United States Army.
On April 3, 1971, he married the love of his life, Nellie Elaine (Simmons) Keplinger, who survives.
In addition to his wife, he leaves behind to cherish his memory a daughter, Jamie Hudson (Ron) of Franklin; five grandchildren, Sydney Tennant (Zach), Madison Ratzer (David), Makenzie Hudson, Keller Grace Keplinger and Orion Thorne Keplinger; a great-grandson, Jackson Tennant; two sisters, Debbie King of Harrisonburg, Virginia, and Melodie Humphreys (Bob) of Glen Allen, Virginia; four brothers, Nathan Keplinger, Nick Keplinger (Kim), Bradley Keplinger and Jeremy Keplinger, all of Upper Tract; a daughter-in-law, Jodi Lynn (Riggleman) Keplinger of Harrisonburg, Virginia; a brother-in-law, Stanley Simmons (Debbie), and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was also preceded in death by a son, Jared Matthew Keplinger (Dec. 26, 2015); a brother, Steve Keplinger; a sister-in-law, Mary Keplinger; a brother-in-law, Mike King; and an infant brother, Wesley.
In honoring Mr. Keplinger’s wishes, his body has been cremated.
The Order of the Eastern Star #138 conducted a service Monday at the Basagic Funeral Home in Franklin. A memorial service followed in the funeral home chapel with Pastor David Morris officiating. Inurnment was at Kline Cemetery in Upper Tract with military honors conducted by the United States Army and Masonic Rites by the Pendleton Lodge #144 AF & AM.
Memorials may be made to the Bridgewater Retirement Community (BRC) Foundation, Attn: Memorial Donation for Pete Keplinger, 302 N. Second Street, Bridgewater, VA 22812, or The Potomac Highlands Shrine Club, c/o Randal Smith, 3933 Reeds Creek Road, Franklin, WV 26807.
Memories and words of comfort may be left at www.basagic.com.
