Ralph Osvil Kessler, 92, passed away on March 19, 2024 at his home in Rincon, Ga.

Ralph was born on December 12, 1931 to Harry and Bertha Kessler and was raised in Rincon. He was a faithful member of the Church of Christ. Ralph served in the Korean War, where he earned a Bronze Star. He then attended North Georgia Technical College in Clarksville, Ga, where he played basketball and baseball, and met his best friend, Bobby Bohler. After the war, Ralph met the love of his life, Bertha, while staying in Texas. They married in 1956 and moved back to Georgia. They raised their two children, Sandra and Mike, in Garden City. Mr. Kessler became the owner, along with his brother Ernest, of Coastal Supply Co. Inc from 1961-1996. He also served two terms as the Mayor of Garden City from 1979-1985 and 1989-1992.

He loved his God, family, and country. His life was filled with studying the Bible, singing, working on the farm, and playing golf. He was devoted to serving others and enjoyed cooking a full spread. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Bertha Bazzell Kessler; his first wife, Bertha Philipp Kessler; siblings, Clifford Kessler (Belle), Arnold Kessler (Willene), Leon Kessler (Janeria), Ernest Kessler (Theresa), and Lois Hodges (Herbert). He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Sandra Kessler Parish (Bill); son and daughter-in-law, Michael Kessler (Charlene); second wife, Margie Futch Hardeman Kessler; grandchildren, Brad Parish (Julianna), Adam Parish (Keli), Emily Parish Horstman (Jeremy), Monica Kessler, and Nicole Kessler Pugh (Wade); as well as his great-grandchildren, Ellie, Emma, Blaine, Riley, Seth, Chloe, and Bryce; as well as a number of nephews and nieces.

The visitation will be on Sunday, March 24, 2024 from 3:00-4:00pm at Strickland Funeral Home in Effingham. The service will follow the visitation at 4:00pm. His interment will be Monday, March 25, 2024 in the Forest Lawn Memory Gardens in Savannah at 2:30pm.