Ralph Nathaniel Bivens, 82, of Marshville, NC went peacefully into his Father's arms on Sunday, December 31. Ralph was born in Union County on September 18, 1941, son to the late Roy Nathaniel and Ellen Ramelle Medlin Bivens. He is also preceded in death by his grandson Daniel Rick Pressley and great-grandson Chandler Bryce Pressley.

Ralph had a successful career as a paint salesman but had the desire to start his own painting contracting company; therefore, Bivens Painting Contractor became a reality in 1988, specializing in both residential and commercial painting. By the time he retired in 2008 he had established himself as a top notch commercial painting contractor. He took great pride in his work and gained many valuable friendships during his career.

There was never a dull moment when in Ralph's presence. He had a knack for telling stories like no other. Whether it be the latest joke he heard, an old fox hunting tale, a story from his days as a paint salesman/contractor days, or a story about one of his beloved children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren, you were guaranteed to be entertained. His hearty laugh that followed each tale will always be remembered and cherished.

Ralph had his share of health issues and challenges, especially the last eight years. He found great comfort in His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. If you came into contact with Ralph in the past seven months, he would tell you that God was not done with him yet. He still had work to do on this side of heaven. He would invite you to come to church with him and ask if you had a relationship with Jesus Christ. His greatest joy would be for someone to come to know the Lord, who was his comforter and deliverer, because of his testimony. His nightly phrase at bedtime was "I love you, Jesus loves you, and I love Jesus." It was evident each day that he truly did love Jesus and he felt the love Jesus had for him in return.

He is survived by his beloved wife of sixty-two years, Nancy Williams Bivens; four daughters: Cindy (Kelly) Tutterow of Bradenton, FL; Debbie (Rick) Pressley and Carol (Eric) Johnson both of Monroe; and Denise (Tommy) Stegall of Marshville: eleven grandchildren: Timothy (Kelli) Pressley, Sarah (Mike) Bailey, Ashley (Corey) Howard, Zack (Kelly) Tutterow, Amber (Henry) Randall, Sam Starnes, Alice (Wyatt) Melton, Nicholas Tutterow, Cassidy (Daniel) Helms, Cade and Kendall Stegall, fifteen great-grandchildren, sister Lorraine Chandler, brother Tommy (Shannon) Bivens, sisters-in-law Patsy Moore, Doris Williams, and Mae Dean Williams as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank Susanne McCarver, his nurse who became a special friend to him and his family this past year. They also want to express sincere gratitude to Dawn, his nurse at Urology Specialists who took extra care and time with him for the past eight years.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Samaritan Colony, 136 Samaritan Drive, Rockingham, NC 28379 or GracePointe Baptist Church Building Fund, PO Box 238, Marshville, NC 28103.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, January 4, 2024, in the Chapel of Holland Funeral Service, with burial to follow in Faulks Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Holland Funeral Service, 806 Circle Dr, Monroe, NC 28112.