By Staff
Jason Cannon
Franklin County Times
When Ralph Beckenback was named the 2007 Ruth's Reward winner at the Country Cottage Thursday night, there was hardly a dry eye in the house.
His nominators described Beckenback, 86, as a "servant to God" on more than one occasion.
"Ralph visits the nursing homes and is a servant to God," Carolyn Stewart wrote.
"He carries tapes to the homebound. He is a servant to God and his fellow man," Judy Taylor scribed.
"His visits regularly those that are homebound or in the nursing home. He brings videos and cassettes of church services so they can feel like they belong. He would do anything to let them know he loves them," Angela Parker penned.
But the nomination letter that carried the most weight would be a man who is close to both God and Mr. Beckenback – Sammy Taylor, pastor of Mountain View Baptist Church.
"Ralph Beckenback is 86 years old. He carries our tapes to our homebound, nursing home and assisted living patients. He is our custodian, and is constantly ministering to someone. He loves people and has a desire to serve his Lord by serving his fellow man. I know of no other person who would be more deserving than Ralph Beckenback … Bro. Ralph loves his God, his church and his fellow man," he concluded.
In accepting his plaque, amid his intermittent tears, Beckenback professed his love for what he's done over the years.
"I do it all for God," he said. "I am His servant and I feel that the best way to serve is to help those in need."