Celebrating the life of
Ralph Clifton Mitchell, III
September 03, 1935 - July 12, 2013
Ralph C. Mitchell III
September 3, 1935 – July 12, 2013
SAVANNAH – Ralph C. Mitchell III passed away Friday, July 12, 2013, at the place he loved the most, his home.
Ralph's enthusiastic love of life led him along a diverse and adventurous path. Born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, to Ralph C. Mitchell Jr. and Marian Taylor Mitchell, his fame and notoriety spread as a teen throwing fire bombs on Cherry Street. Ralph's bright red hair added to the glow. Although a star baseball shortstop, his favored activity was tossing a seemingly mile-high baton as a drum major.
Ralph continued as a drum major at Tulane University culminating in an appearance at the Cotton Bowl halftime show, where he wowed the crowd as he threw a trio of flaming batons. Ralph's academic and extra-curricular successes earned him a coveted Navy ROTC scholarship which paid for all four years of college. Ralph majored in business and was a leader in the SAE fraternity.
Upon graduation from Tulane, Ralph began active duty in the Navy which spurred his lifelong love for boating and the sea. He served four years as an officer and fondly recalls this time as one of the happiest of his life.
Ralph spent nearly 30 successful years as a utilities executive and CEO in Missouri, Louisiana, Arkansas and Texas. He retired at age 51 and fulfilled his dream of buying his own boat, a 46' Grand Banks trawler. For five years, Ralph and his family lived on "Nepenthe" traveling extensively in the out islands of the Bahamas. His spearfishing prowess struck fear in the hearts of Bahamian fish everywhere.
"Nepenthe" brought Ralph to the Landings on Skidaway Island and he loved it so much he gave up his seafaring ways to become a Landings homeowner. Ralph's enthusiastic energy then continued on land. His infamous Thursday golf group brought a new dimension to the Landings golf scene. Ralph was also a leader in the Savannah community, serving on many boards and volunteering his talents and time. Very important to Ralph was his faith and involvement with St. Peter's Episcopal Church.
Another of Ralph's true passions was music. Involved in music in many different ways, he is well known for compiling the world's largest private collection of obscure Johnny Mercer music. His annual Big Band Swing Concert at the Landings first benefitted Friends of Johnny Mercer, raising funds for the Johnny Mercer statue in Ellis Square. It currently benefits Park Place Outreach, and continues to the hottest ticket in the Landings. This year's October 19th benefit concert will honor the life and legacy of Ralph Mitchell.
Ralph's quest for exotic locales and delicious food led him to travel extensively through Spain, France, Italy and Greece. Captain Ralph never lost his love for the sea, wrapping up his last Spanish adventure with a tasty dish of barnacles.
Ralph's loving family includes devoted wife Maggie, son Sandy and his wife Tami, daughter Katie, step-daughter Tracy, grandchildren Jessie, Will, Sarah, John and Evan. Ralph's unparalleled zest for life will truly be missed.
Ralph's memorial service will be held at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Skidaway Island, on Saturday July 20 at 3pm.
In honor of Ralph, please consider a donation to the Youth Pilgrimages of St. Peter's Episcopal Church. This year the young teens are walking a portion of Camino de Santiago in Spain and following an itinerary that Ralph conceptualized, planned and inspired. Donations may be directed to St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 3 West Ridge Road, Savannah, GA 31411. Indicate on your check "In Honor of Ralph Mitchell".
Please sign our on-line guest book at www.foxandweeks.com
Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
May God's loving hand help heal your sorrows and touch your heart with the peace only He can give. Remember that grief is an expression of how deeply you loved - please don't strive for closure but the ability to use those feelings to achieve something else. Love to you and your family.
- Sherry Hodges, Savannah, GA
Ralph was the one of the first and absolutely the most enthusiastic supporter of the Equinox Orchestra after our relocation to Savannah. Without his own beautiful 'orchestration' of people and events and happenstance meetings in our favor, Jeremy and I would still be begging for work. We will miss his encouragement, advice and most of all, his friendship. Dear Maggie, you and the family are in our prayers. We love you! Clay, Kayla, Ryah and Silas Johnson
- Clay Johnson, Savannah, GA
It has been an honor to know Ralph and participate in his events. His attitude was always appreciated and set a perfect example for all of us to enjoy and try to follow.
- MarcTate, Savannah, GA
Maggie, We are so saddened to hear of Ralph's death. He was such a delight to be around and we knew that he really enjoyed life. You two were blessed to have found each other. We will miss the service on Saturday as we will be out of town. Know that we love you and our prayers are with you. Ann and Jim Fendig
- Ann and Jim Fendig, Savannah, GA
Ralph was an inspiration. To see his joy of sharing his love of big band music to bring blessings to others was special.
- Marianne Brouillette, Savannah, GA
So very sorry to learn of Ralph's passing. His limitless passion for music inspired me to assist on the committee for his Big Band concerts and to share some amazingly fun times. He was unique to this community and will be greatly missed. Big hugs for Maggie, you are not alone in your sadness.
- Donna Shea, Savannah, GA
What a special person with a great smile and zest for life! Our prayers are with you, Maggie.
- Ann and Rex McClure, Burt Lake, MI
Dear Maggie and family, We are saddened for your loss and will keep you in our prayers in the days ahead. As a board member of Park Place Outreach, we are so appreciative of all of Ralph's hard work on behalf of our organization. I am unable to attend the memorial service on Saturday, but wanted to express my condolences. His memory will be eternal. Meg Hollis, Park Place Outreach board member
- Meg Hollis, Savannah, GA
Maggie and family, it was my privilege to know and work with Ralph for what seems like a brief time. I wish as you all do I am sure that we had more time with him. He was a kind soul and always had a smile on his face. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. Love, Jone
- Jone Bremer, Savannah, GA
One of the most positive inspiring men I have ever been blessed to know. The way he lived his life is something we should all aspire to. We loved him and will miss him dearly. Jason, Amy & Cody Cowan
- Jason Cowan, Savannah, GA
I have very fond memories of Mr. Mitchell and his wife listening to my renditions of Johnny Mercer music in the tavern of The Olde Pink House. His support of Johnny's music was remarkable. He sent me many cassettes of Mercer songs. He was an extraordinary person and will be missed by many people.
- Gail Thurmond, Savannah, GA
We will always remember Ralph for his love of music and golf.
- Ron and Jane Mueller, Savannah, GA
May God's loving hand help heal your sorrows and touch your heart with the peace only He can give. Remember that grief is an expression of how deeply you loved - please don't strive for closure but the ability to use those feelings to achieve something else. Love to you and your family.
- Sherry Hodges, Savannah, GA
Ralph was the one of the first and absolutely the most enthusiastic supporter of the Equinox Orchestra after our relocation to Savannah. Without his own beautiful 'orchestration' of people and events and happenstance meetings in our favor, Jeremy and I would still be begging for work. We will miss his encouragement, advice and most of all, his friendship. Dear Maggie, you and the family are in our prayers. We love you! Clay, Kayla, Ryah and Silas Johnson
- Clay Johnson, Savannah, GA
It has been an honor to know Ralph and participate in his events. His attitude was always appreciated and set a perfect example for all of us to enjoy and try to follow.
- MarcTate, Savannah, GA
Maggie, We are so saddened to hear of Ralph's death. He was such a delight to be around and we knew that he really enjoyed life. You two were blessed to have found each other. We will miss the service on Saturday as we will be out of town. Know that we love you and our prayers are with you. Ann and Jim Fendig
- Ann and Jim Fendig, Savannah, GA
Ralph was an inspiration. To see his joy of sharing his love of big band music to bring blessings to others was special.
- Marianne Brouillette, Savannah, GA
So very sorry to learn of Ralph's passing. His limitless passion for music inspired me to assist on the committee for his Big Band concerts and to share some amazingly fun times. He was unique to this community and will be greatly missed. Big hugs for Maggie, you are not alone in your sadness.
- Donna Shea, Savannah, GA
What a special person with a great smile and zest for life! Our prayers are with you, Maggie.
- Ann and Rex McClure, Burt Lake, MI
Dear Maggie and family, We are saddened for your loss and will keep you in our prayers in the days ahead. As a board member of Park Place Outreach, we are so appreciative of all of Ralph's hard work on behalf of our organization. I am unable to attend the memorial service on Saturday, but wanted to express my condolences. His memory will be eternal. Meg Hollis, Park Place Outreach board member
- Meg Hollis, Savannah, GA
Maggie and family, it was my privilege to know and work with Ralph for what seems like a brief time. I wish as you all do I am sure that we had more time with him. He was a kind soul and always had a smile on his face. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. Love, Jone
- Jone Bremer, Savannah, GA
One of the most positive inspiring men I have ever been blessed to know. The way he lived his life is something we should all aspire to. We loved him and will miss him dearly. Jason, Amy & Cody Cowan
- Jason Cowan, Savannah, GA
I have very fond memories of Mr. Mitchell and his wife listening to my renditions of Johnny Mercer music in the tavern of The Olde Pink House. His support of Johnny's music was remarkable. He sent me many cassettes of Mercer songs. He was an extraordinary person and will be missed by many people.
- Gail Thurmond, Savannah, GA
We will always remember Ralph for his love of music and golf.
- Ron and Jane Mueller, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
