Ralph Winfield Connell

Ralph Winfield Connell passed away peacefully from prostate cancer related to agent orange, colon cancer, lymph node cancer and finally liver cancer on November 25, 2024, with his loving wife, of 38+ years, Rita by his side. His prostate cancer journey lasted 22 years. He was born in Cranston, RI in 1939. He was a kind, generous and caring man. He quietly shared his blessings with those less fortunate. He loved flying, soloed in 1973 and was an instructor pilot for more than 40 years. He was very proud of his many students, three continued to study and became pilots with Delta and one who became an Air Guard pilot. He and Rita flew many hours in single engine planes and Rita say, “he showed me the world through God’s eyes.” He started his US Air Force as a Cadet in 1960 and served in Viet Nam, 1964-65; then again in1969-70. He was the Lieutenant in charge of setting up all the logistics in Oxford, Mississippi when the University of Mississippi was integrated. In addition, he served in Texas, Tennessee, Louisiana, Nebraska, Georgia and Florida. He was an exchange officer with the US Navy in Philadelphia where his son was born. He drove the Al-Can Hwy (Canada->Alaska) 4,000 miles, when 1,200 miles of it was dirt, driving from the United States to Alaska in 8 days (he almost ran out of leave). He graduated from the University of Omaha. He retired as a proud Lt Colonel in 1990 after 17 years as Director of Supply at Dobbins Airforce Base. He and Rita cherished living abroad forging lifelong friendships in Spain, Germany and France. As a civilian and Retired Lt Col he was briefly in charge of the Supply Office at Torrejon AB, Spain during the Gulf War (1991). (His boss was in Puerto Rice visiting relatives when the war broke out). Ralph and Rita’s love story began during a run in Marietta in 1986 and their passion for running continued throughout their life together. They ran a total of 25 Peachtree Road Races along with many others through the years. Ralph enjoyed telling people that he took Rita “off the streets”. Memorial Service will be 12:00 PM Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at St. James Episcopal Church 161 Church Street Marietta, GA 30060 with the Rev. Dr. Patricia M. Miller officiating. Burial will be 3:00 PM December 17th at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA. He is survived by his wife, Rita, son and daughter-in-law, Sean and Betsy, and grandchildren Calen, Lorna and Cheryl. In lieu of flowers, please make donation to the Atlanta Food Bank and to St. James Episcopal Church 161 Church Street Marietta, GA 30060 in Ralph’s name.

Ralph Winfield Connell

January 6, 1939 - November 25, 2024