In Memory: Ralph Marion Jr., 85, Mt. Vernon Towers Board Chairman

Editor’s note: the following obituary was submitted by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

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Ralph Marion, Jr., of Atlanta, Georgia, died on Jan. 26, 2016 at St. Joseph’s hospital, surrounded by family and friends. He was 85.

Born on April 13, 1930 in Rockville Centre, Long Island, NY, Ralph was the son to the late Margaret Sorenson Marion and Ralph Marion, Sr.; grandson of the late Jeanne Marion Doanne, who was the first woman lawyer in the state of New York.

Constantly active with Boy Scouts as a pack leader, involved in the Motet Singing group in Louisville, Kentucky, a member of Dunwoody United Methodist Church and choir, employed for over 30 years as a corporate visionary planner for Bellsouth telecommunications, and the author of “Yuck Cheese and Lucifer the Mouse,” a book for children.

Ralph was a leader, a consensus-builder, a creator, and an inspiring force in any group.

Graduating from Lycoming College in Pennsylvania and attaining a master’s degree in Industrial Psychology at the University of Louisville, Ralph served three years in the U.S. Army, during which time he met his bride and soul-mate, Janet Ann Paul at a Motet singing event.

Marrying her 4 years later in Louisville, Kentucky with a honeymoon in New York City, Ralph and Jan moved to Atlanta, Georgia and became active in St. Mark United Methodist Church. Concluding a 5-year temporary move to work at Bell Laboratory in Holm Dell, NJ, Ralph and his wife raised a close-knit, dynamic family in Dunwoody, Georgia, with two sons and a daughter who eventually became a practicing dentist, an EMT and master plumber, and a chief operating officer.

A consummate celebrator of life, Ralph infused joy in anyone he was near; just a moment talking with him filled one’s sails. This was his way. His mirth and his insufferable desire to entertain at any moment made him a magnet for conversation and an inspiration to others on how to fully celebrate life.

As the chairman of the board of Mt. Vernon Towers in Sandy Springs for the past 5 years, he fulfilled the role of “mayor,” running unopposed and plying his craft as “ambassador” to new residents and old friends.

As a father, he taught his children to find joy in the small things. Really small things: Joy abounds everywhere if we only open our hearts to it. His passing, though filling those who knew him with grief, also shines a brighter light on all the joy he spread, and all the people he beautifully touched.

Ralph Marion, Jr. is survived by Janet Paul Marion, his wife of 55 years; David Paul Marion, his eldest son with wife Paula Feldman Marion; Steven Scott Marion, his son; and Sandra Marion Downing, his daughter with husband Timothy Blair Downing; grandchildren Robert, Alexander, and Christina; and his beloved dog Ginger.

A private memorial will be held on Feb. 6, 2016. Please contact the family at dnp_marion@att.net for details. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Salvation Army or The Innocence Project.

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