The Rev. Ralph Eli Esco, 84, of Thorsby died Saturday, April 16, 2016.

He was born on Wednesday, July 8, 1931, in Birmingham, son of the late Samual Earl Esco Sr. and the late Lillie Elizabeth Simmons Esco.

He was a minister.

Surviving is his son, Douglas (Karla) Esco of Verbena; daughters, Rhonda (Bob) Joyner of Thorsby and Cydne (Jack) Duke of Lawrenceville, Georgia; special son, David Cox of Atlanta; special daughter, Sue Paradise of Alexander City; grandchildren, Gabe Vines, Nicholas Vines, Cliff Joyner, Lee Joyner, Davis Joyner, Lindsay Mims, Wesley Jones, Elizabeth Licon, Chris Duke and Luke Paradise; great-grandchildren, Brittany Vines, Lindsay Joyner, Griffin Joyner, Wilbur Joyner, Miles Joyner, Gilda Joyner, Wilde Joyner, Kayleigh Licon, Maddie Duke, Lilli Duke, Oliver Mims and Fynn Mims.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Ann Esco and grandson, Douglas Lee Esco II.

Friends will be received from 5 – 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 19 at West End Baptist Church.

Services will be held Wednesday, April 20 at 2 p.m. at West End Baptist Church with the Rev. Daniel Wilson officiating.

Interment will follow in Midway Memorial Gardens in Jemison with Martin Funeral Home directing.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to West End Baptist Building Fund, 2005 2nd Ave. N., Clanton, AL 35045.

You may leave online condolences on the guest registry for the family at our website www.martinfuneralhomeinc.com