William Ralph Land

William “Ralph” Land, 94 passed away on January 20, 2023, at Royal Oaks Nursing Home in Titusville, FL

Born in Decatur, TN on June 17, 1928, he was the youngest of six children of the Rev. J.R. Land and Mattie Benton Land.  He lived most of his life in Athens and Etowah, moving to Titusville, FL in later years to be with family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his five siblings: Richard Land, Ruth Bailey, Dixie Rodgers, James Land and Truett Land, his loving wife of 59 years, Polly Wattenbarger Land and his son, William R.  (Will) Land, Jr. He is survived by his daughter Debbie Land of Titusville and several nephews and nieces.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving in both Alaska and Maine during the Korean War.

Ralph was a 10-year employee of the Etowah Beaunit Plant and later a 12-year employee of Textron in Athens.  He was a 60-year member of the Athens Meridian Sun Lodge, and a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason. He was longtime member of North Etowah Baptist Church, and recently the First Baptist Church of Titusville.

In addition to traveling and cruising with his wife Polly in his retirement years, he served as a volunteer “pink lady” at Woods Memorial Hospital. He also continued his many, many hobbies including wood carving.  He was a member of the Smoky Mountain Woodcarvers and had his carvings displayed at several area historical museums.

Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel of Laycock-Hobbs on Saturday, January 28, 2023, 12:00pm with Rev. Debbie Stokes officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:00am-12:00pm prior to the service. Internment will be in Buttram's Cemetery.   In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to North Etowah Baptist Church or First Baptist Church of Titusville, FL .  Those unable to attend may send condolences to https://www.laycock-hobbs.com/obituaries/william-land