Ralph D. Ehrich

Ralph David Ehrich, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2024, surrounded by love and family in Atlanta, Georgia. He was 81. Ralph was born in Queens, New York on April 4, 1943 to Harry and Lillian Ehrich. He spent his childhood there until his family relocated to Columbus, Ohio in 1959, where he and his family were active members of Redeemer Lutheran Church. After graduating from Eastmoor High School, he went on to The Ohio State University, achieving Undergraduate and Masters degrees in Electrical Engineering. He married Patricia Naumann on October 19th 1974, at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Wheeling, West Virginia. On their third wedding anniversary they welcomed daughter Jennifer and three years later, son Brian. He raised his family in Lilburn, Georgia, and was a faithfully serving member of All Saints Lutheran Church in Lilburn. In recent years, he moved with Pat to Marietta where they joined Christ Lutheran Church. Ralph was employed with Rockwell International and later with Boeing, and he was an exceptional and accomplished engineer. Working in the Missile Systems Division, he established numerous patents and concepts regarding aeronautical guidance systems, and was honored as the 1983 Rockwell Engineer of the Year. He was also recognized by Boeing as a Technical Fellow in 1988. After thirty years, he took an early retirement and embarked on a second career with Eagleware as a software engineer. Ralph traveled extensively with Pat, especially cruises to the Caribbean, Alaska and river cruises in Europe. An avid runner, he completed sixteen Peachtree Road races, often with his children. He enjoyed playing softball for All Saints and later cheering Brian and the team on after hanging up his cleats. He loved cheering on his beloved Ohio State Buckeyes, Atlanta Braves, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, and Clemson Tigers. Ralph enjoyed spending time outdoors with his family, including sailing, fishing, and could often be found tending to the family garden. He was known as a kind, humorous, lighthearted friend and a loving, attentive and supportive son, husband, father, brother, uncle, and grandfather. Ralph had an unwavering faith, and selflessly served God, his family, church, and community any way he could. Ralph was a dedicated blood donor and enjoyed volunteering at his children’s sports and youth events. He is survived by his wife Pat; daughter Jennifer Wilkinson and her husband Chris, of Atlanta; son Brian Ehrich and his wife Amber, of Smyrna, Georgia; sisters Kathie and Nancy Ehrich of Columbus, Ohio; granddaughter Teagan; grandsons Crosby and Sullivan; beloved nieces, nephews and family. Ralph rejoins his parents, his sister Betty Weaver, and Brother-in-law David Naumann, in heaven. Memorial services will be held at 3:00 pm, Sunday, October 20th, 2024 in the Historic Chapel of Mayes Ward Dobbins Funeral Home in Marietta, with Visitation one hour prior. The family invites you to join them for a reception immediately following the service. A private interment at Kennesaw Memorial Park in Marietta will be held at a later date. Special recognition to the care teams at Wellstar, Arbor Terrace Burnt Hickory in Marietta and Charter of Vinings for their skill and care. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association https://www.alz.org/georgia

Ralph D. Ehrich

April 4, 1943 - October 10, 2024