Col. Ralph Franklin Tice, USMC, Ret. CHARLESTON - Colonel Ralph Franklin Tice, United States Marine Corps (retired), of Charleston, SC, passed away on July 21, 2022. He was preceded in death by his brother, John Joseph "Joe" Tice. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Judy Powell Tice of Morven, NC; his son, Brian F. Tice and wife, Ashley; his son, David P. Tice and wife, Sara; his daughter, Megan E. Alexander and husband, Richard; and five grandchildren, Claire, Margaret, Julia, Windell and Marlowe Tice. Ralph was born in Wadesboro, NC on February 13, 1952, the son of the late John Junius Tice and Jean Davis Tice. Ralph graduated from Bowman High School, then went on to The Citadel where he majored in political science while playing football. Following graduation in 1974, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps, where he would serve for 30 years on active duty as a CH-53 helicopter pilot, flight instructor, and Commanding Officer of units at every level. His commands included HMH-464 during Operation Desert Storm and MAG-29 of New River Air Station. He returned to The Citadel for his final duty station as the Commanding Officer of the NROTC Unit. During his active duty service, he earned a Master of Science in Management from Troy State University and a Master of Arts in National Security Strategy from the National War College. Following retirement from the Marine Corps, Ralph served as the Broker-in-Charge of his family's real estate company and continued serving his community as the President of The Citadel Alumni Association and The Citadel Foundation. To those who knew Ralph Tice, he was first and foremost a loving husband, father and grandfather who took great delight in the time spent with his family. He was a devout Christian who lived a life of faith, and cherished fellowship and studying the Bible, which he read in its entirety. He will be remembered for living a life of honor and integrity, the deep and loving relationships he formed with everyone he met, the enthusiasm and gusto with which he met life, his quick wit and sense of humor and his lifelong love for the outdoors. Funeral service will take place on July 28, 2022 at 1pm at the Summerall Chapel, The Citadel, of Charleston, SC. Reception will follow the service at Mark Clark Hall. A funeral with full military honors will be held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Citadel Foundation, Class of 1974 Summerall Chapel Stained Glass Window Project, 171 Moultrie St., Charleston SC 29409. A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com. Visit our guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/charleston

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Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Jul. 23 to Jul. 24, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Tice

Sponsored by J. Henry Stuhr West Ashley Chapel.

23 Entries

James Thigpen

July 16, 2025

Rest in peace Ralph.

James Thigpen

July 17, 2023

Rest in peace Ralph.

Dick and Susie Dunnivan

August 14, 2022

Judy, we just heard of Ralph's passing and wanted to express our sincere condolences. We remember our time serving together with the two of you at HMH-464 and afterward crossing paths back at New River. Our memories always bring smiles to our faces. We hold you and the family in our thoughts and prayers.

Oliver R Johnson, Jr. Lt Col (Ret) USAF, VMI `97

August 1, 2022

God Bless & Keep Col Tice
"Well done good and faithful servant." Semper Fi
Joshua 1:9

Martha Johnson Strain

July 30, 2022

My brother Ellis was a classmate and teammate of Ralph. Our deepest condolences to your family. We are grateful for Ralph´s service in the Marine Corps and in furthering the gospel of Jesus Christ. May you find comfort and peace in fond memories and the assurance of the Lord.

Derek Surratte

July 29, 2022

May God comfort you and my thoughts, prayers are with you

Jackie and Jud Mason

July 29, 2022

We have lost a great man and a superb Marine. You get to meet very few Marines as noteworthy as Ralph. He was an exceptional leader and the consummate steady hand. Thoughts and prayers are with the Tice family. Ralph´s legacy will live on in every Marine he touched. He will be missed but not forgotten.

Paul and Sylvia Sauls

July 28, 2022

Our condolences Judy. What a man and absolutely one of the finest Marines.

John Grinalds

July 28, 2022

Dear Judy,
Norwood and I send you and your wonderful children and their families our condolences and sympathy. Ralph had been ill for some time and his passing was probably not a surprise. But his absence even though it is with the Lord must be excruciating. We pray that the Lord will ease your grief soon and and leave you with only the sweetest of memories of your life together.
With our love and best wishes,
John Grinalds

Ret Lt. Douglas L Hester, NCPD

July 27, 2022

I am so sorry for your family. I spent many times with Ralph studying GODS WORD. He has a beautiful heart full of kindness. I truly enjoyed his company. He will be missed.

Candace Taylor

July 26, 2022

May light perpetually shine upon Ralph.
Love and sympathy to you and your family.

JIM SIGMON

July 26, 2022

Judy, I was so sorry to read that your husband passed away last Thursday. Attached is a Prayer from the Lutheran Book of Worship.

Almighty God, source of all mercy and giver of comfort: Deal graciously, we pray, with those who mourn, that, casting all their sorrow on you, they may know the consolation of your love; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Colonel Retired Jeff Bowden USMC

July 26, 2022

As Marines pass through their career, there are few that have an indelible impact on you, and for me Colonel Tice was that Marine. He set the standard in the CH-53 community that the rest of us strived to live up to his expectations.
Fair winds and following seas, Marine.
Semper Fi

Fred and Kathy McCorkle

July 26, 2022

Judy, our Hearts are Broken. Ralph was a "Brother", Friend, Super Marine and Great American! I am not sure that I have ever witnessed anyone with the "FAITH" and courage once He knew His time was near. God Bless You and the Tice Family. Fred and Kathy McCorkle

Kevin and Diane Dodge

July 26, 2022

Dear Judy, as we remember the friend, mentor, squadron mate and Marine we know our own lives have certainly been enriched because of time spent with Ralph - his memory will live on in our hearts. God bless you and the family, you all remain in our prayers.

Barry Templeton in New Bern, NC

July 25, 2022

Judy and family,
I'm so sorry to hear of Ralph's passing. I will be remembering you in my prayers. May God comfort you and give you strength for the days that lie ahead.

Michael F. Rogers

July 24, 2022

Ralph was one of the finest men I have ever known. We worked together for years at The Citadel and Ralph epitomized a Citadel graduate and Marine Officer. He was a devoted family man, devout Christian and helped me many times through difficult situations. As a cancer survivor myself I was in daily prayer for Ralph and Judy. I know he is with his Creator and is pain free. Many people will miss him and our world has lost a great one. RIP sir.

Colonel Brent Dunahoe, USMC (Ret.)

July 24, 2022

Semper Fidelis. A great Marine and an even better man.

Kathy Johnstone

July 24, 2022

Dear Judy and Family, I am sorry for your loss. Ralph was an outstanding man and loved by many. I will always remember his infectious smile and friendliness to everyone. Cherish all your memories. Fond memories from Waterfront Properties days. Prayers to all his family and friends.

Daniel J Moseler

July 23, 2022

Judy, so sorry for your loss. I was honored to serve with Ralph and deeply appreciate your support when we deployed for Desert Storm, and the role you played when he returned to take over 464. Blessings for you and your family in this time.
Dan and Kathy

Martin P Gorski

July 23, 2022

SEMPER FI SIR, RIP .

Billy and Betsy Ammons

July 22, 2022

Judy, God bless and keep your family in His comfort. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Ralph was a wonderful classmate.

Jim Thigpen

July 22, 2022

Gone way too soon. He and I served in the Corps together from 1974 until retirement. Wonderful Marine and a true friend. God bless his family.

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