Edward Ralph Manning, 58, was called home to be with Jesus (Jess), August 6, 2006. He was a native of Tampa. Doctors told us Ralph was mentally challenged, but we always knew better. Ralph had a memory like an elephant and, (as mom would say), "a head full of sense." Ralph was predeceased by his father, the Rev. Randolph E. Manning (Daddy.) Survivors include his mother, Gladys Manning (my MaMa); brother, Jesse Doyle Manning (Doyle); and sister-in-law, Bobbie (Bobbie); sisters, Gloria Connell (Dor-De) brother-in-law, Donnie (Dor-de's Boy), Marilyn Custer (Burse) and brother-in-law, Bryan (Burse Boy); nephews, nieces, five great- nephews and eight great-nieces. Ralph was a very simple person and was always full of joy. He would get so excited over a car ride (block), a milkshake (fo), candy bars (barters), or going to get "Ga" (food) and 44 bis-sus (bread). Ralph never met a stranger. He loved people. Some of his greatest joys was going to church, flipping through his bible, and music. He loved to sing and strum his guitar. He was larger than life and just loved celebrations. Especially opening presents, he would always say "more, more bah-sus (boxes)". He was a very thoughtful person, he would ask mom about everyone of us everyday, including Everlea (Lay) and Boy, Lois (Lois), Marilyn, (Burse), Clayton (Lay) and Kay (Leah), (roll call). Ralph touched lives where ever he went and will be greatly missed. From your "buddy" to Pastor Gene and Joyce Sloan, Ralph would say "THANKS". Your compassion will never be forgotten. Though Ralph will be missed, his spirit will live on. We will forever carry Ralph in our hearts, for to know him, was to love him. "Jees Save My Soul". Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, August 9, 2006, , interment will follow in the Myrtle Hill Memorial Park.