Ralph Ray Dowling

Ralph Ray Dowling, December 17, 1929 - February 16, 2015 Ralph was a true Floridian, born in 1929. As a young boy, he was a resident of Miami, FL. Every day after school, he worked for his father in the Dowling Grocery store until he graduated from high school. One of Ralph's fondest childhood memories was that he would go fishing almost every weekend with his dad. Fishing was one of Ralph's favorite passions throughout his life. Ralph attended Miami High where he met and fell in love with a beautiful young lady, Joyce Claire Collins. To have heard him tell of their romance, it was love at first sight. After graduating from Miami High, Ralph attended the University of Florida. Ralph continued courting Joyce although she was miles away attending Florida State University. Ralph & Joyce were married on December 3, 1950. In March of 1951, Ralph joined the US Air Force. He served in France and Germany. Upon returning to his family from overseas, Ralph continued his education while employed by the Miami Herald as a type setter. He was knowledgeable in the art of setting color and was credited for being one of the first type setters to help produce the first Miami Herald printed in color. He graduated from the University of Miami with a degree in Business Admin and Law. After graduating from college, he began his life's work in the Insurance business. He worked for United Mutual Insurance Agency in Miami. He later joined Jefferson Standard Insurance that eventually expanded to Palm Beach County where Ralph was asked to be their link to the Palm Beaches. As his career progressed, he joined BB Cole where he became a recruiter. Continuing his efforts as an insurance salesman, Ralph joined John Hancock Insurance Agency. He worked for John Hancock for many years before deciding to open his own insurance agency. Ralph ran a successful agency for General American as their General Agent in Palm Beach County for many years until his retirement. Ralph also enjoyed serving his community. He was a member of the Rotary Club for many years; served as President in 1977 and again in 1978. He was a long time member of Northwood Baptist church where he served as a Deacon for a period of time. Ralph was known to love the outdoors. He enjoyed, fishing, golfing, going to the beach with his family and boating whenever possible. He was a good and kind Christian man. A family member recently said, "Ralph was a gentleman and a "gentle" man." Those very sentiments are felt by many. Over the years there were several mention of Dad's smile. Friends called it the Ralph Dowling smile. It could light up any room. Ralph's favorite word would have been Wonderful. If you asked him how he was, his answer would always be "Wonderful!" with that big smile. Those words and that smile could change your day to Wonderful. Thank You for all your smiles. Ralph was the son of the late Ressie and Myrtle Anderson Dowling. Ralph was predeceased by Joyce, his high school sweetheart and best friend of more than 60 years. He is survived by 4 children: Kenneth Dowling (Gisele), David Dowling, Joy Weaver and Wendy Poole (Steve); sisters, Vanona Newman, Ressie Lee Jackson and Judy Wiemar; 8 grandchildren, Heather Hartje, Brooke Dowling, Blake Dowling, Christina Hulse, Jessica O'Neill, Amanda Poole, Andrew Poole, and Jessica Stone; 3 great grandchildren, Taylour Hartje, Preston Hartji and Lyric Hulse Montana. It is of great comfort to us knowing that you are now dwelling in the house of the Lord. So long dad, our father and our friend. Until we see you again. You were the best! You will be missed by all who love you... A viewing will be held at 11 AM - 12 PM on Saturday, February 21, 2015 at Palm West Funeral Home with a service at 12 PM. On Tuesday, February 24, 2015, Ralph will join his beloved wife at South Florida National Cemetery where he will be laid to rest with Air Force Honors. You will always be OUR SUPERMAN.