(1923 – 2004)
Ralph Latimer was the Supply and Logistics specialist for ACES. He came to this position in July 1979 from across campus as Auburn University’s property control inventory supervisor. He came to Extension with an experienced background in general management, having over 20 years of accomplishments in the areas of personnel, purchasing, production control, customer service, and administrative management.
As his title indicates, Ralph was in charge of all Extension supplies and inventory. He diligently watched over the shipment of equipment, maintenance on equipment, and making sure certain coworkers had the supplies they needed on hand to serve clientele throughout the state. He maintained open, direct communication with Extension employees, assisting them with their varied operational needs. Ralph was always a telephone call away from serving his coworkers. He retired on April 30, 1988.
Ralph Latimer was born in New Site, Alabama, the youngest boy in a family of 12 children. His father was one of the most substantial farmers in the area. The Latimer Peach Farm was where he obtained all of his agricultural knowledge from first-hand experiences. Their long hours, hard work, and the desire to succeed with the many acres of land set a pattern for Ralph’s life.
Education was always intertwined in Ralph’s life growing up, and after his father died, he paid the way for his two younger sisters to get a college education. He instilled the belief in his children that education is something no one can ever take away from you. He grew up raising quality horses and taking care of farm livestock. An absolute passion for quail hunting started on the farm and lasted his entire life. After 1988, he took advantage of retirement and caught up with his quail hunting, his gardening, and visiting with family and friends.
Ralph received an accounting degree from Massey Business College in 1942. Prior to coming to the University in 1977, he worked at Avondale Mills in Sylacauga and Diversified Products Corporation in Opelika.
He is survived by his two daughters, Lynn Veal of Canton, Georgia, and Celia Latimer of Birmingham, Alabama. His wife of 60 years, Louise, predeceased him in 2002. To honor this man who proved to be a friend to all Extension employees, we inscribe the name Lynn Ralph Latimer on the dedicatory plaque of the Extension Memorial Chapel.
Chapel Plaque Inscription Number: 473
