Ralph Wilson McCool

Ralph Wilson McCool

Age 92, of Leeds, MD, died Thursday, July 21, 2011. Born in Elkton, MD on October 28, 1918, he was the son of George Washington and Marion Smith McCool.

Ralph was a World War II B24 Navigator with the 445th Bombing Group. He flew 35 missions over Germany and following his 25th mission received the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was a Member of the Maryland National Guard 29th Division Association retiring with the rank of Brevet Colonel. He was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. Ralph retired from the Maryland State Lottery. He was a member of the Maryland House of Delegates in 1957 and 1958, serving on the Ways and Means Committee.

His love of flying carried over from his World War II experiences into his personal life, traveling to and from National Guard Summer Camp with his close friend, Sudler Goodhand, in an L19 observation plane. He attended the World Freefall Convention in Quincy and Rantoul, IL from the years 2000 through and including 2003. Making three tandem jumps from 14,000 feet at the age of 82, 83, and 84, he earned his own reputation in the United States Parachute Association. With his military background and freefall experience, an interview and one of his jumps were featured for Outdoor Channel.

Survivors include his wife E. Grace McCabe McCool, Leeds, MD; and son Geoffrey Edward, son Ralph Wilson II and his wife Gloria; and son Findlay McCabe McCool. Mr. McCool has fifteen grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Mr. McCool was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, George, Helen, Frank, Ruth, Victor and Edward.

Funeral Services will be held at R.T. Foard Funeral Home, P.A. (formerly Gee Funeral Home), 259 East Main St., Elkton, MD 21921 on Tuesday July 26, at 1 pm with a visitation beginning at 11 am. Interment will follow at Bethel Cemetery, Chesapeake, MD.

To send condolences, visit
www.rtfoard.com
R.T. FOARD FUNERAL DIRECTORS & CREMATORY
(410) 398-3388
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