Ralph Charles Fisher, father, grandfather, uncle, friend and
neighbor, took his final step on the journey of life on April 4,
2019 at the Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville,
Georgia. Ralph was born on September 28, 1933 in
Cleveland, Ohio, however he spent his childhood and working
years in Michigan.
Ralph graduated Boyne Falls High School, class of 1951 where
he met his wife, Virginia who he married on December 12,
1953. Ralph joined the United States Air Force and served as
an airplane mechanic during the Korean Conflict. After his
military service he returned to Northern Michigan where he was
employed at Wickes (lumber & hardware store), U.S. Plywood
and Tigerline Trailers (a local manufacturer in Gaylord,
Michigan). In 1972, he, his wife and two children moved to the
Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where he was employed by
Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company for the next 22 years as a welder
at the Tilden Mine.
Upon retirement he and Virginia traveled to and fro from their
chalet in Kiva, Michigan to a home in north Georgia where they
resided during winters. After 10 years of conducting this annual

pilgrimage Ralph and Virginia settled at Clarkesville, Georgia.
Ralph was a reliable family provider, politically-conservative and
a highly-skilled craftsman, particularly in the medium of wood.
He was a responsible husband and father, exceeding the needs
of his family. He was a devout Republican and he stated his
position with conviction. His political position likely stemmed
from him overcoming life's challenges to become a succcessful,
self-made man. He thought others should be able to persevere
as well with minimal assistance from the government. He was
a talented woodworker, constructing everything from wooden
toys to interior finish work of several homes including the
aforementioned chalet. Even in his last months he continued to
construct several items including a coffee table he made out of
rough-cut cypress. He extended his skill as a welder beyond

employment, resulting in numerous products including a double-
axle trailer capable of transporting machinery.

Ralph also enjoyed outdoor recreation, including fishing,
hunting and downhill skiing, but most of all he enjoyed shooting
long guns, reloading ammunition and gunsmithing, which was a
long-standing passion. While in the U.P. he had a small firearm
business which was successful enough to be recognized by the
local sporting goods store owner as a competitor.
Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia, parents
Raymond and Clara (Strauss) Fisher; Brothers Raymond and
Bernard and Sister Dolores Knott, in-laws Wasyl and Victoria
Kosc; nephews Raymond Fisher Jr., Charles Lister; niece Carol
Fisher.
Ralph is survived children Barbara, Christopher; grandson Ian;
brother-in laws Sam, Andy; sister-in law Irene; Nieces and
nephews; Kathy, Terry, Christine, Kim, Matt, Steve, Sarah,
Elizabeth, Brian, Peggy, Susie, Patty, Diane, Kerri.