Ralph Adam Michael
Ralph Adam Michael, 93, of Hillsboro, passed away peacefully Sunday, June 9, 2024.
He was born Nov. 30, 1930 in Hillsboro, the only child of the late Mandy and Lorena Walker Michael.
Ralph was the definition of a good hard-working man and a true patriot. He worked hard his entire life to serve both his country and his family. He attended and graduated from Hillsboro High School, where he was a member of the track team. Ralph retired from the military as a Lieutenant Colonel with 35 years of service in all. He served with the Ohio National Guard and US Army Reserve and was enlisted into active duty in Korea in the years 1952 and 1953.
His military career started when he was called to duty with the Ohio National Guard in October 1951. He attended the Light and Heavy Weapons School in Fort Benning, Ga. Ralph served in the Korean War Conflict as a forward observer of an 81mm Mortar Platoon with the 24th Division. During his military career, he was fortunate to attend 15 training academies.
One of L.T.C. Michael’s special memories is receiving the commendation for “Outstanding Attention to Duty in the Face of the Enemy, while serving in Korea,” which was presented by Major General Wyndham and Col. Davies in Hillsboro. In total, Ralph was awarded 27 medals, awards and decorations, including Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star and Army Commendation Medal, just to name a few.
Ralph also worked for the Ohio Department of Transportation for 37 years as a Bridge Construction Supervisor, having supervised the construction of 129 bridges that are still standing today. His final occupation was working part time at the Highland County Engineer’s Office for 15 years.
In addition to his military service, Ralph was a proud member of his community participating in many organizations. He was a member of the Highland Masonic Lodge #38 F&AM Chapter, Commandery & Counsel, 32˚ Mason Valley of Cincinnati, lifetime member of VFW 9094 & AMVETS Post 41, Hillsboro Elks #361, Hillsboro Eagles Aerie 1161, Highland County Senior Center, P.E.R.I., Reserve Officers Association, Retired Officers Association and AARP.
Amid his military service, Ralph married his first wife, Joyce Thomas Michael, in 1951, who later passed away in March of 1991. On April 29, 1999, Ralph married Willa “Billie” Gregory in Hillsboro, who survives. Also surviving are a daughter, Tami Nash of Columbus; four grandsons, Matthew and Michael Nash and Derek and Brian Michael, all of Columbus; four great-grandchildren; and two stepsons, Chuck and Mark Middleton, both of Hillsboro.
In addition to his first wife and parents, Ralph was preceded in death by his son, Tony Michael.
Visitation will take place on Thursday, June 13, 2024 from 11 a.m. until time of service at 1 p.m. at the Turner & Son Funeral Home in Hillsboro. Burial with military honors will follow at Barker Cemetery in Pricetown.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Ralph’s name to St Jude’s Children Research Hospital, 501 Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105.
For more information or to leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.turnerfuneralhomes.cc.