RALPH MIZELL

On Aug. 15, 1935, Ralph Mizell, a 13-pound bouncing baby boy, was the seventh child born to the late John and Katie Wonnum Mizell. He was raised and educated in the town of Zebulon, Georgia.

At an early age, he accepted Christ and was united with New Hope Baptist Church. He enlisted in the United States Navy in June 1954. After serving his country for 24 years, he retired in June 1978. He loved the Navy, but the Lord was always first in his life: to whom he prayed for a good wife. God heard and answered his prayer and he married Dorothy on Feb. 14, 1960, which was followed by a wedding on April 1, 1961. To this union, Ralph Reginald was born on April 27, 1964, and Chandra Valtrina was born on May 12, 1969. Chandra passed away on Feb. 8, 1990, while a senior at Santa Cruz University in California. She had been accepted to Berkeley University in pursuit of a career as an attorney.

After relocating to Sumter, Ralph joined Trinity Missionary Baptist Church in September 2004. While at Trinity, Ralph served on the deacon board for 19 years, 14 of the those 19 years was as chairman. He also served on several ministries, including Sunday school teacher, Vacation Bible study teacher, midday Bible study, the pastor's aide and hospitality.

Ralph Mizell departed this earthly life on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018.

In addition to his loving wife of 58 years, Dorothy, and son, Ralph, he also leaves to mourn from a family of 13, four of whom died as small children: two sisters, Bessie Mae Ceasar of Massachusetts and Mamie Lee Mizell of Foster, Georgia; special thanks to Glenda Phillips (goddaughter), Barbara and George Gibbons, Ronald Washington, Macarthur Dechamps (during the last two years of Ralph's life), and Darrin and Joe Conyers (godchildren); and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends throughout the United States.

Public viewing will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. today at Job's Mortuary.

Mr. Mizell will be placed in the church at 9 a.m. on Friday for viewing until the hour of service.

The family will be receiving friends at 10 a.m. on Friday at the church.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday at Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, 155 Wall St., Sumter, with Pastor Larry Weston officiating. Interment will follow at Hillside Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. at the home, 2640 Fossil Lane, Sumter.

Job's Mortuary Inc., 312 S. Main St., Sumter, is in charge of arrangements.

Online memorials may be sent to the family at jobsmortuary@sc.rr.com or visit us on the web at www.jobsmortuary.net.