Celebrating the life of
Ralph Drummond Rockwell
April 09, 1929 - January 20, 2014
Ralph Drummond Rockwell
Ralph Drummond Rockwell, 84, died Monday, January 20, 2014 at his home. A native Savannian, he was the son of Dr. and Mrs. Charles S. Rockwell of Savannah. He was the paternal grandson of William S. Rockwell, past Grand Commander of the Grand Commandary of Knights Templar for the state of Georgia and 32 degree Scottish Rite Mason, as well as direct descendant of Jabez Campfield surgeon in the Continental army who performed the smallpox inoculation of the troops during the 1777 winter encampment in Morristown.
Ralph's youth was split between "Whitebluff" exploring the Vernon River and Gaston Street where he enjoyed city life with boyhood friends in the theatres and malt shops. Upon the wishes of his father, he attended high school at Augusta Military Academy in Fort Defiance, Virginia where he proudly achieved "last man standing" as an underclassman in cadet drill competition. He returned to Savannah his senior year to attend Savannah High School which he stated that he had "died and gone to heaven". He attended the University of Georgia the following year and pledged the Sigma Chi fraternity. He would later attend both Armstrong and Georgia Southern Colleges.
Ralph put his love of the water and swimming into his service in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and received recognition for demonstrating his courageous spirit by rescuing the ambassador's daughter in the Potomac River. He later settled in Savannah and married Susannah Robertson in 1960. He is survived by his wife Susannah Rockwell, his daughters, Elizabeth Larry Hadwin and Katherine Ray Jones, as well as five grandchildren, Matthew Hadwin, Katie Hadwin, Lucy Jones, Susannah Jones, and Camille Jones.
A Graveside Service will be 2:00 p.m, Saturday, January 25, 2014 at Laurel Grove Cemetery.
Remembrances may be made to the Wounded Warriers Project.
Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
I am sorry to hear about your Dad passing. I haven't seen him in so many years but I have some fond, funny memories. He was very kind to me and I always had such fun staying at your house. Liver on Saturdays, I can still smell it. My prayers are with you all, especially you Mrs. R. miss you all. Candi
- Candi Miller, , GA
Dear Susannah: I extend my heartfelt sympathy to you, your daughters and grandchildren at this sad time. I pray the love you all share will bring you comfort. Fondly, Carolyn Usher Cooper
- Carolyn Cooper, Savannah, GA
Dear Mrs. Rockwell and Family, I am saddened to read of the death of Ralph. I worked with Ralph for many years for the State of Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program. I was a counselor and he was an evaluator and as such, we shared many cases together. We worked to help plan services to enable our clients to return to work. We also spent time at conferences and meetings and Ralph was always so calm in the 'storm' of work pressures. He was always professional in whatever he undertook. We shared many laughs together and at times we had to agree to disagree on which way a case should progress. I never remember having a cross word between us and I respected Ralph and his expertise in the 'Rehab field'. I know that you all will miss him terribly. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time of adjusting to life without Ralph. God bless you and give you peace. Sincerely, Virginia LoveRetired Counselor - Savannah.
- Virginia Love, Savannah, GA
I was so saddened to learn of Ralph's passing. No words can really take away the grief but know that many people share the loss with you.
- David Hodge, Savannah, GA
Katherine and Elizabeth, we are praying for your families during this difficult time. I wish I had met your father...he raised two amazing daughters.
- Mike and Tammy Miller, Savannah, GA
Ralph, you were a good friend till the end. Thanks for allowing us to come out there and do our metal detecting, Spanky Dent and myself. You will be missed. Ralph was a dear friend, we meet him at Taylors and knew him for years and he allowed us to see his antiques and swords, something everyone did not get to see, he will be missed...best wishes to the family...Bill and Spanky.
- Bill Ennis, Savannah, GA
Mrs. Rockwell, Elizabeth, and Katherine, We are praying for you all during this difficult time. I know that God will watch over you all and see you through this. Love, Wendy, Richard, and Rebecca
- Wendy Mathis, Pooler, GA
I am so sorry to hear of Uncle Ralph's death. He was so kind to me whenever I met him over the years. Hope you all are doing well.
- Jessie Altman, Atlanta, GA
I am sorry to hear about your Dad passing. I haven't seen him in so many years but I have some fond, funny memories. He was very kind to me and I always had such fun staying at your house. Liver on Saturdays, I can still smell it. My prayers are with you all, especially you Mrs. R. miss you all. Candi
- Candi Miller, , GA
Dear Susannah: I extend my heartfelt sympathy to you, your daughters and grandchildren at this sad time. I pray the love you all share will bring you comfort. Fondly, Carolyn Usher Cooper
- Carolyn Cooper, Savannah, GA
Dear Mrs. Rockwell and Family, I am saddened to read of the death of Ralph. I worked with Ralph for many years for the State of Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program. I was a counselor and he was an evaluator and as such, we shared many cases together. We worked to help plan services to enable our clients to return to work. We also spent time at conferences and meetings and Ralph was always so calm in the 'storm' of work pressures. He was always professional in whatever he undertook. We shared many laughs together and at times we had to agree to disagree on which way a case should progress. I never remember having a cross word between us and I respected Ralph and his expertise in the 'Rehab field'. I know that you all will miss him terribly. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time of adjusting to life without Ralph. God bless you and give you peace. Sincerely, Virginia LoveRetired Counselor - Savannah.
- Virginia Love, Savannah, GA
I was so saddened to learn of Ralph's passing. No words can really take away the grief but know that many people share the loss with you.
- David Hodge, Savannah, GA
Katherine and Elizabeth, we are praying for your families during this difficult time. I wish I had met your father...he raised two amazing daughters.
- Mike and Tammy Miller, Savannah, GA
Ralph, you were a good friend till the end. Thanks for allowing us to come out there and do our metal detecting, Spanky Dent and myself. You will be missed. Ralph was a dear friend, we meet him at Taylors and knew him for years and he allowed us to see his antiques and swords, something everyone did not get to see, he will be missed...best wishes to the family...Bill and Spanky.
- Bill Ennis, Savannah, GA
Mrs. Rockwell, Elizabeth, and Katherine, We are praying for you all during this difficult time. I know that God will watch over you all and see you through this. Love, Wendy, Richard, and Rebecca
- Wendy Mathis, Pooler, GA
I am so sorry to hear of Uncle Ralph's death. He was so kind to me whenever I met him over the years. Hope you all are doing well.
- Jessie Altman, Atlanta, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
