Ralph L. Carlson, age 83, of Smyrna, TN, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 7, 2019. A native of Cleveland, OH, he was preceded in death by his parents Leonard and Esther Carlson; two sisters; and a brother.

Funeral services will be Saturday at 11:00 a.m. in Smyrna at Woodfin Chapel. Brother Edward Smith will officiate. Burial will be in Mapleview Cemetery with military honors.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Elna Smith Carlson; daughters, Tracy Bricker and her husband Mark of Smyrna; Kelly Cole and her husband Charles of Murfreesboro; and Melissa Capps and her husband Greg of Murfreesboro; seven grandchildren, Ashli, Jason, Ryan, Courtney, Dustin, Bethany, and Emily; along with several great grandchildren.

Mr. Carlson was of the Lutheran Faith and was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He was a retired Lithographich Camerman with the National Lithographic Company. Mr. Carlson was an avid sports fan and loved to sing and dance. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.

Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Visitation will be Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Woodfin Chapel in Smyrna.