Ralph Williams King

Ralph Williams King

Ralph was born in Norfolk, Virginia, and lived in Miami before moving to Atlanta in his youth. He graduated from North Fulton High School and earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management from Georgia Institute of Technology, where he joined his beloved Chi Phi fraternity. A loyal supporter of his alma mater, Ralph delighted in its football victory over UVA during the last game he was able to watch. He was proud that two of his children continued his legacy, graduating from Georgia Tech and also joining Chi Phi.

After serving in the U.S. Navy during the Cuban Missile Crisis, Ralph led a successful banking career. His professional life began at First National Bank of Atlanta, where he rose to President of First South Leasing Company, before being recruited to establish the business development program at First Georgia Bank. After First Georgia Bank was acquired by Wachovia Bank, Ralph held the position of Sr. Credit Officer for North Georgia. He continued his career at Georgia Federal Bank, where he served as Chief Credit Officer, until its acquisition by First Union, where he led the real estate sales team and served as President of two development teams. He also served for many years as Chairman of the Fulton County Pension Board and was honored with the designation of August 16 as "Ralph King Day."

After retirement, Ralph happily stepped into the role of supporting his wife, Robin's, career. He was an avid reader and enjoyed boating and being near any body of water. He took up the game of golf later in life, and while the course usually conquered him, he enjoyed playing rounds with Robin and friends at their vacation home on Amelia Island, as well as Cherokee Country Club in Atlanta. In recent years, his favorite pastime was cheering on the Atlanta Braves. Ralph was devoted to his two Labrador Retrievers, Buzz and Jacket, who provided so much joy to his life.

Surrounded by family and friends, Ralph Williams King entered his Eternal Home on November 8, 2023. He is survived by this wife, Robin; children, Alison, Jonathan, Karen, Ralph and Raymond; eleven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Celebration of Life Service will be held November 18, 2023, 11:00 am, at Sardis Methodist Church with a reception following in church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sardis Methodist Church, 3725 Powers Ferry Road, NW, Atlanta, GA 30342 or Atlanta Lab Rescue, P.O. Box 250206, Atlanta, GA 30325.