Ralph E. Douglas' Obituary
Ralph E. Douglas, a resident of Cherry Hill for 22 years, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2015 at the age of 74 years.
Ralph was the beloved husband of Thelma J. (nee Upshaw) for 50 years. Loving father of Michiel D. (Shon) Burnett of Park Forest, IL, and Sheila L. Douglas of Chicago, IL. Dear grandfather of Destiny D. Burnett. Survived by a host of nieces and nephews and friends.
Ralph’s first career began as a classroom teacher, and soon after that he became one of the youngest senior public schools administrators in U.S. history, at age 25. His second career was in the federal civilian service, where he spent 24 years, and rose to the position of regional administrator for a new federal agency. Following his retirement from the federal service, he returned to the classroom, after a 30-year absence. Three years later, he received the teacher of the year award for his unique classroom and school-wide contributions. He retired from education after 10 years in the classroom.
As the owner and President of Douglas & Associates, he focused his attention on the development of 4 separate programs: mentoring, advocate services, empowerment coaching, and homebound instruction. He has also developed leadership and business seminars for adults, and seminars on coping skills for youth. He is also a motivational speaker and a speaker on such topics as individual and organizational change and empowerment.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a life celebration service for Ralph on Monday, February 2, at 11 am, at Kingsway Church, 2701 Chapel Ave. West, Cherry Hill.
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