Ralph Harman "Pete" Keplinger, Jr., age 74, of Franklin, WV, passed away on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at the Bridgewater Retirement Community in Bridgewater, VA. He was born on August 15, 1950 in (Smoke Hole) Upper Tract, WV, the son of the late Dora Vesta (Alt) and Ralph Harman Keplinger, Sr. On April 3, 1971, Pete married the love of his life, Nellie Elaine (Simmons) Keplinger, who survives in Franklin, WV.

Mr. Keplinger was a 1968 graduate of Franklin High School and a member of the Friends Run Church of the Brethren, where he served as a Deacon and Trustee. He retired in 2012, after 26 years of service as a Bridge Maintenance Supervisor for WV Department of Highways. Pete had previously worked for Pic Pac and IGA as a meat cutter. He had also worked for the Bath County Pump Storage Project and Switzer Dam Water Project.

Pete was an avid WVU, Dolphins, and Orioles fan and he also had a passion for the great outdoors and enjoyed gardening, hunting and fishing. He took pride in his family and loved making memories with them and will leave them with his legacy of love. He was a member of the Pendleton Lodge #144 AF & AM, The Order of the Eastern Star #138, Scottish Rite 32° of Clarksburg, Shriners Legion of Honor International, and The Potomac Highland Shriners Club. Mr. Keplinger was a Veteran of the US Army.

In addition to his wife, Pete leaves behind to cherish his memory: a daughter, Jamie Hudson (Ron) of Franklin, WV; 5 grandchildren, Sydney Tennant (Zach), Madison Ratzer (David), Makenzie Hudson, Keller Grace Keplinger, Orion Thorne Keplinger; a great-grandson, Jackson Tennant; 2 sisters, Debbie King of Harrisonburg, VA, Melodie Humphreys (Bob) of Glen Allen, VA; 4 brothers, Nathan Keplinger, Nick Keplinger (Kim), Bradley Keplinger, Jeremy Keplinger, all of Upper Tract, WV; a daughter-in-law, Jodi Lynn (Riggleman) Keplinger of Harrisonburg, VA ; a brother-in-law, Stanley Simmons (Debbie), and many nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by: his son, Jared Matthew Keplinger (12-26-2015); a brother, Steve Keplinger; a sister-in-law, Mary Keplinger; a brother-in-law, Mike King; and an infant brother, Wesley.

In honoring Mr. Keplinger's wishes, his body has been cremated. His family will receive friends on Monday, March 24, 2025, 12-2 PM at the Basagic Funeral Home in Franklin, WV, with a service conducted by The Order of the Eastern Star #138. A Memorial Service will follow at 2:00 PM in the funeral home chapel, with Pastor David Morris officiating. Inurnment will be in Kline Cemetery in Upper Tract, WV, with Military Honors conducted by The US Army and Masonic Rites by the Pendleton Lodge #144 AF & AM. Memorials may be made to: The Bridgewater Retirement Community (BRC) Foundation, Attn:  Memorial Donation for Pete Keplinger,  302 N. Second Street, Bridgewater, VA 22812, or The Potomac Highlands Shrine Club, c/o Randall Smith, 3933 Reeds Creek Road, Franklin, WV 26807. Memories and words of comfort may be left at www.basagic.com.