Ralph D. Torrance passed away on January 9, 2017 at the Florida Hospital in Deland, Florida follow an extended illness.
He leaves his wife of 34 years, Deborah (Helton) Torrance; his sons, Ralph Torrance, Jr. (Doc), Jim Torrance and his son James, David Britt Torrance, Michael Cole Torrance and his wife Patricia; his daughter, Connie and her husband David Gilbert and their children, Chase, Jaime and Abigail; his sister, Betty and her husband Charles Durham; sister-in-law, Diane Torrance, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family.
He was preceded in death by his brother James Torrance and his loving mother, Alma Torrance (Nana).
Ralph was born July 1, 1933 in Dublin, Georgia and was raised in Macon, Georgia. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Duke University in 1955 where he lettered in football for four years, track for two years, was a member of the Varsity "D" club for three years, and was a member of the KA Fraternity. Ralph's senior year, Duke defeated Nebraska in the 955 Orange Bowl 43-7.
Ralph proudly served in the United States Marine Corps for nine years in a variety of duty assignments including Korea and other areas in East Asia. He was a member of the 1956 Marine Corps All-Stars and played against the Air Force All-Stars in the 1956 Sukiyaki Bowl, Far East Command Inter-Service Football Championship.
Ralph and his partner, Alfred J. Cole, Sr. have owned a Real Estate firm, Cole and Torrance Realty Co., Inc in Atlanta, Georgia since 1962. They were joined by Ralph's brother James A. Torrance, Jr. and formed TCT Development. They developed numerous subdivisions, built homes, apartments, and shopping centers in the Metropolitan Atlanta area.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on January 13, 2017 at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs, Georgia. In lieu of flowers, the family request that you please make a donation to support Veterans Empowerment Organization of Georgia www.veohero.org or the Cure Alzheimer's Fund www.curealz.org
Arrangements are under the care of Lohman Funeral Home Ormond. Condolences for the family may be shared at www.lohmanfuneralhomes.com