 RALPH EDWARD TUTTLEMERRITT ISLAND Ralph Edward Tuttle, born on October 22, 1919 in Columbus, Ohio passed away Thursday, May 20, 2004 in Merritt Island, Florida. Ralph is survived by his wife, Kelvie Davis Tuttle of Merritt Island; sister-in-law, Thelma Kline Tuttle of Warsaw, Ind.; two nieces, Patricia Tuttle Williams of Lambertville, Mich. and Glenda Tuttle Correira of Warsaw, Ind. and three broth ers-in-law, and four sisters-in- law in Mobile, Ala. Ralph was preceded in death by his brother, Glenn Madison Tuttle and his parents, Glenn M. Tuttle and Dolly Marie Johnson Tuttle. Ralph graduated from East Technical High School in Cleveland, Ohio in June, 1937. He went on to serve with the Army Air Corps from 1942 to 1945 during World War II. After the war Ralph attended, and graduated from, Case Institute of Technology with a degree in mechanical engineering. He was first employed by Lord Manufacturing Company in Erie, Penn. The rigors of the Snow Belt led him to sunny California where San Diego was his favorite spot. Ralph went on to work for several aerospace/defense companies in California. In 1962 he went to work for NASA in Houston, Texas, then was transferred to the Kennedy Space Center where he continued to work until his retirement in 1982. Ralph was an aerospace engineer working for Johnson Space Center as manager in the Resident Apollo Program Office at Kennedy Space Center, responsible for modification and flammable material on the lunar module. Ralph was also involved in the Mercury, Gemini, and Shuttle programs. While attending Case Institute of Technology, Ralph enjoyed classes in history, music and drama, which enriched his life and gave him an appreciation of the fine arts. He continued to support his Alma Mater as well as the local PBS. Ralph especially enjoyed the music of Mozart and Bee thoven. Abraham Lincoln was Ralphs hero. His favorite poem was John Browns Body by Stephen Vincent Benet. Ralph met Kelvie Davis of Mobile, Ala. in 1963 at a single adult group at the First Unitarian Church in Houston. In 1971, after an eight-year, long- distance romance, there was a marriage of North and South. Their courting music was Vivaldis Four Seasons. A first marriage for both, they often joked about being late bloom ers. Ralph enjoyed a close relationship with Kelvies father, William Kelvie Davis, as well as with all of her brothers, their wives and appreciated their ten children. During the 1990s, Ralph and Kelvie made several trips to Europe with the Brevard Community College Chorale. One of Ralphs favorite places to visit was Ireland where he came to love the country and its music. Ralph and Kelvie also enjoyed trips to the northern parts of the United States in the autumn to watch the changing fall leaves. After retiring from NASA in 1982, genealogical research, especially the historical aspects of it, became his passion, and he was a member of the Brevard Genealogical Society. Ralph and Kelvie loved Master piece Theater and Ken Burns Civil War documentary. He also enjoyed his computer and stereo systems. Ralphs favorite football team was the Ohio State Buckeyes. He also enjoyed watching golf, especially the Golden Bear, Jack Nicholas. While Ralph was more comfortable with machines than people, he still cared deeply about his friends and family. Although a very private person, he was vital, with a keen sense of humor and a deep love of country. Ralph lived through the depression so he was an excellent steward of his resources, yet generous and one who valued quality. His per sonality lived up to his red hair. He was a lamb in lions clothing- a gentle man, full of integrity, spiritual without formal religion; an independent spirit and had a direct manner. As his life closed, he lost most of his motor functions. Blessedly, he retained his hearing and intellect. He died peace fully in his sleep, ready to go. A Celebration of Life-Memorial service, including the choir of the Merritt Island Presbyterian Church, will take place at 3 p.m., Saturday, June 12, 2004 at the Merritt Island Presbyteri an Church located on the corner of Cone Road and South Tropical Trail, Merritt Island, FL. Donations may be made to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation, P.O. Box 515 Northampton, MA 01061-0515 (or www.macular.org). Also, The Neuropathy Association, Inc. 60 E 42nd Street, Suite 942, New York, NY 10165-0999 (www.neuropath y.org) or any charity of your choice. |
