Ralph C Michael, age 96, of Gainesville, FL died on June 7, 2021, at his home residence. Ralph was born on May 25, 1925, in Frostburg, Maryland to the late Harry & Ruth (Weinbrenner) Michael. Ralph was the only son in the family with 4 daughters. He attended the Beall Elementary and High School while growing up in Frostburg, MD. Ralph’s first job was running errands for the local restaurant at 10 cents per week. He joined the US Army in 1942 served in England, France and Germany with the 257th Combat Engineer Battalion. After the war, he began working for the Kelly Springfield Tire Company in Cumberland, Maryland. In his earlier years he enjoyed hunting and fishing but spent most of his life working. In 1949 he married Juanita Holtzman and lived in and around Frostburg, had two sons, Allen and Jeffrey Michael, in 1951 and 1955, respectively. They owned and operated a corner grocery store from 1957 to 1970 and they moved to Ridgeley, West Virginia around 1972. Summer vacations were often camping with his family in New Jersey, Maryland, and South Carolina. He retired in 1982 after working 37 years at the tire plant. During his retirement years, he traveled back and forth to Florida spending time with family and friends. Ralph is preceded in death by his parents, and Son, Jeffrey L. Michael. He is lovingly survived by his Wife, Juanita M. Michael, Son, R. Allen Michael and his Spouse Bonnie Michael, 4 Grandchildren, 7 Great Grandchildren, 7 nieces and 2 Nephews. Ralph’s family and friends will gather at the Forest Meadows Funeral Home, 725 NW 23rd Avenue, Gainesville, on Friday, June 11, 2021, from 1-2 PM. A Family Reflections Service will be held at 2 pm. Ralph will travel home one last time to Frostburg, MD for Graveside services and military Honors at the Frostburg Memorial Park. Maryland services will be under the direction of the Sowers Funeral Home, Frostburg, MD.
Uncle Ralph, my memories are all from a time before you retired and moved out of Frostburg area. They are times I recall from College Ave and Shaft. Memories I hold dear in my heart. College Ave store and the endless supply of candies and other goodies! Growing up and hanging out with Jeff helping him with his paper route was awesome! You will be missed ! Rest In Peace! Love Ken Baker
Kenny,
Thank you for sharing in our sacred day with Ralph and the family. Your presence is greatly appreciated and we hope the memories we share will continue to grow. We are looking forward to bringing the family together for your future generations. With love,
Weebie, Allen, Bonnie, Justin, Joseph, Christina, Carrie and Sharon
Ralph and Weebie were family friends for as long as I can remember
He saved me from falling out of my dad’s car when I was a toddler
Lovely people????????
Thank you for your precious memories of our families. We have shared your comments with Weebie who truly enjoyed reminiscing.
The Michael family
Juanita, Allen, Bonnie, Justin, Joseph, Christina, Carrie and Sharon
Ralph and Weebie were high school friends of our parents. Our family shared so many visits and nights of playing games…parents in the dining room and kids at the kitchen table! I don’t remember meeting them, they were just always there. I remember kissing them good night. Weebie had the best smile, and Ralph gave great squeezey hugs. Mom had pictures of them in her albums and dad would share stories. They would always come visit mom and dad after their winter in FL. I miss those days. I helped mom address Christmas Cards and saw Ralph and Juanita in her address book. I was surprised! Bless you Weebie and Allen.
Thank you for your condolences and memories. We have shared your message with the family and will treasure your thoughts.
The Michael family
Juanita, Allen, Bonnie, Justin, Joseph, Christina, Carrie and Sharon,