Ralph Andrew Silvas, of the United States of America passed away on May 1st 2017 at the age of 68. At the time, the memorial service and obituary were inadequate for a man who served his country so honorably, so those who love him are making it right. An appropriate service one year from the date of his passing, will be held at 11 o'clock, Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, SC. Interment with full military honors will follow at Fort Jackson National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 o'clock, Monday, April 30th at the funeral home.

Ralph, spent his life serving the United States of America. He retired as a combat infantry soldier, fighting bravely in Vietnam for which we was awarded the National Defense Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Meritorious Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Army Good Conduct Medal, Overseas Service Bar, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal First Class, and three Army Achievement Medals.

Following his dedicated service to country, he embarked upon a second career as a police officer in South Carolina. A lifetime of leadership and sacrifice are his legacy. With a wry wit and a beautiful sense of humor he was truly one of a kind. He left a lasting impression upon countless fellow soldiers, friends, co-workers, and most importantly family members with memories that will live on forever. He was loved as he loved. His daughters called him Daddy and his soldiers called him Sergeant Silvas.

He is survived by his daughters, Rebecca Scarberry, Elgin, South Carolina, Kelly Palmer of Blythewood, South Carolina, Michelle Anderson of Blythewood, South Carolina, and Michelle Hunter of Menasha, Wisconsin. He also leaves behind 9 little Sergeant Silvas grandbabies who are tasked with carrying on his legacy.