Ralph K. Davies, 93, of Tifton died Saturday, November 6, 2010, at Tift Health Care. Private services and burial will be held at a later date.
He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather and was preceded in death by the love of his life, Virginia deStanley Davies, and their only son, Jeffrey Ralph Davies.
He is survived by his daughter-in-law, Lyn Davies of Jackson; his three grandchildren and their spouses, Heather and Rocky Middleton of Duluth, Hope and Stephen Strickland of Jacksonville, Florida and Patrick and Dr. Jennifer Davies of Tifton; as well as six great-grandchildren.
Ralph was born on August 25, 1917 in Newcastle, Pennsylvania, to James Earl Davies and Rose Marie Kahrer. After college, Ralph enlisted in the Army. Lieutenant Davies earned both the Purple Heart and the Silver Star for wounds sustained in combat, as well as saving the lives of men under his leadership in the 143rd Infantry Regiment in February of 1945. Following his recovery and discharge, Ralph and his wife settled in Berea, Ohio. He taught high school for one year and then became a well-respected and loved chemistry professor at Baldwin Wallace College, where he was a positive influence on generations of students and was recently honored by having the new Davies Commons named after him.
In 1971, he and Ginny moved to Powell, Wyoming, after falling in love with the area during an earlier trip. He and Ginny enjoyed rock-hunting around Powell and also used it as a home base for traveling all over the west. They both learned to carve, a hobby Ralph continued until just the last few years of his life.
Ralph loved to play music, especially the keyboard, and also the zither. He not only enjoyed his hobbies--he believed in sharing those talents with others. When he moved to Carrollton in 2000, he participated in the carving club at the Senior Center and did carving demonstrations for school children during the Heritage Days celebration for several years. He even organized a Hillbilly Band that traveled to local retirement homes to entertain the residents.
In 2010, Ralph moved to Tifton to be closer to family. In his short time there, he endeared those around him. Ralph was full of life, love and laughter, right up to his final days. No one could meet him without being drawn in and affected by his wonderful way with people. He never met a stranger and very rarely found himself speechless. He was patient, kind, wise and very intelligent. He felt his family was the most important thing in life and was happiest when surrounded by them. While we miss him deeply, we are comforted by the fact that he lived a very full, happy, productive life with no regrets and that he is back with his Ginny and Jeff. We are all grateful to have had him in our lives.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Carrollton Cultural Arts Center, PO Box 532, Carrollton, GA 30112.