Remembering Ralph Fields, the man, the myth, the legend

Ralph Fields, the man, the myth, the legend, passed away unexpectedly at his home on July 16, 2022

He was born Sept. 26, 1941, to Horace Ralph Fields, Sr., and Lucille Kent Fields at Loudoun Memorial Hospital in Leesburg, Va. A lifelong Purcellville resident, Ralph Fields was raised on his family’s dairy farm, Center Field Farm, in Purcellville. 

Fields attended the old Purcellville Elementary School and was a 1960 graduate of Loudoun County High School. As Drum Major, he led the LCHS Marching Band to two consecutive years of top awards at the Winchester Apple Blossom Festival.

He was also involved with FFA and 4-H. He showed Registered Holsteins, some of which attained All-American recognition. As a teen, he was nominated as National Holstein Boy, which earned him a trip to Madison, Wisconsin.

He was engaged in agriculture most of his life, including dairy, beef, and crop farming. In addition to farming, he had other business ventures. In the early 1970s, he owned and operated the Arco service station at the Rt. 7/ North Maple Avenue intersection in Purcellville.

He owned the Round Hill Diner for over 10 years before selling the business in the late 1980s. 

Ralph’s passion for life was exceeded only by his love for his children and grandchildren.

A friend to many, and an enemy to none, Ralph’s departure leaves a massive void in the lives of his loved ones, and he will be greatly missed. “They don’t make them like that anymore.”

Fields is survived by his children Trevor and Jessy of Purcellville, Tonya and Ashley of Lovettsville, Troy and Michelle of Leesburg, Trey and Mery of Florida; his stepchildren Stephani and Rocco of Washington D.C., and Patrick of Waterford; grandchildren Rachel, Lincoln, Weston, Boyd, Rya, Aja, Ayden, Olivia, Sabrina, Kylie, and Taylor; and great-grandchildren Harper and Ronin. 

A viewing will be held Friday, July 22, from 4 – 7 p.m. at Hall’s Funeral Home in Purcellville. The family would also like the public to join them from 4 – 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 23, for a Celebration of Life at the Family Farm – Center Field Farm, 16980 Hillsboro Road, Purcellville, Va. Per Ralph’s wishes, please dress casual.

The family will hold a private burial service at the Hillsboro Cemetery, Hillsboro, Va.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Purcellville Police and Fire Station in his name.

Arrangements are being handled by Hall’s Funeral Home, Purcellville, Va.