Ralph's obituary
Ralph A. Morrison Jr., 83, passed away on March 24, 2026, in Tampa, Florida. A longtime resident of Lake Placid, he was a man of steady hands, sharp skill, and unwavering dedication to his family and his work.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Ralph discovered early on that he had a gift for understanding how things worked. He began repairing vehicles as a young man, starting a 67‑year career as an auto mechanic that began in 1959 and never truly ended. His life was built on physical labor, craftsmanship, and the satisfaction of fixing what others thought couldn’t be fixed.
Ralph served in the United States Army Infantry during the Vietnam era, answering the call to duty before returning home to continue the work he loved. The discipline and resilience he carried from his service stayed with him throughout his life.
He enjoyed video games, hotrods, and older cars, and he loved tinkering—taking things apart, improving them, and sharing what he knew. He cared deeply for his family and was known for his quiet humor, patience, and the pride he took in helping others.
Ralph is survived by his children, James Morrison and Amber Zook; his siblings David Morrison, Terry Morrison, Scott Morrison, and Patti Willoughby; his nephew Austin Rose; and his grandchildren Antonio Carias, Alec Carias, Gregory Rapp Jr., and Lillian Rapp.
He was preceded in death by his father Ralph A. Morrison Sr., his mother Virginia Curtis, his stepmother Vera Morrison, his siblings William Morrison, Virginia Strange, and Charlyn Theisen, and his nephews Nathan Willoughby and Kelby Rose.
Ralph leaves behind a legacy of grit, loyalty, and love. A life built with calloused hands, a curious mind, and a generous heart.