Thomas "Ralph" Kimsey Sr.

Thomas Ralph Kimsey Sr., age 84 of Hiawassee, Georgia passed away Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at Brasstown Manor. Ralph was born June 19, 1942 to the late Andrew Joe and Ruth (Ford) Kimsey in Mountain City, Georgia. Ralph was a cherished father, grandfather, and friend, and his presence will be deeply missed. He lived a long and wonderful life in Hiawassee, Georgia, where everyone knew his name. He never met a stranger, and if he did they'd walk away as friends. He was known for his stories and ability to talk to anyone everywhere he went. If you had the privilege of meeting him, he likely asked you where your folks were from, what you did for work, and what kind of car you were driving.

He had a successful career in the commercial egg business where he owned and operated Kimsey Egg Company for over fifty years and worked for Crystal Farms, Rose Acre Farms and also Ingles Markets for forty five years. He also owned and operated Kimsey's grocery and had a successful cattle operation on what is now Brasstown Valley Resort. He enjoyed working on his farm and in his chicken houses. Even after his retirement, you could find him driving to different grocery stores to check the egg prices. Outside of work he loved to travel, specifically out west where he could enjoy the beauty of the wild west and an array of gun shows. Most of all he loved spending time with his family and being PawPaw to his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Dale Kimsey Rice; brother, Bud Kimsey. He is survived by his sons, Pat (Tonya) Kimsey, Thomas (Renee) Kimsey, Jess Collins; brother, Pete (Shelia) Kimsey; sister, Debra Sellers; grandchildren, Alex Rice, Lane Kimsey, Herman Kimsey, Blake Ramey, Dillon Kimsey, Taylor Kimsey, Josh Collins; nine great-grandchildren; one niece; three nephews.

Pallbearers: Kurt Kimsey, Heath Kimsey, Lane Kimsey, Herman Kimsey, Dillon Kimsey, Alex Rice, Blake Ramey

Honorary Pallbearers: Charles Brackett, John Dean, Matthew Gibson, Brandon Grimsley, Jeff Hogsed, Jacky Jones, Richard Kreis, Charles Nicholson, Gene Rogers, Ricky Seabolt, Dan Spears, Truett Spiva

Visitation: Friday, July 31, 2026 from 5:00-8:00pm at Banister-Cooper Funeral Home and also Saturday, August 1, 2026 from 12:00-2:00pm at McConnell Memorial Baptist Church.

Funeral: Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 2:00pm at McConnell Memorial Baptist Church with Rev. Doug Merck and Rev. Danny Burch officiating.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Towns County Food Pantry or the McConnell Memorial Baptist Church Benevolence Fund.

Banister-Cooper is in charge of arrangements for Mr. Kimsey.