Ralph was born to Janie and Carey Peters on May 14, 1922, in Atlanta, Georgia.  On the death of his father, the Peters family moved to Bessemer, Alabama and later to Akron, Ohio when he was 12 years old.  Ralph passed away Friday, December 10, 2021, after a wonderful life.

Ralph, a resident of Akron, Ohio for over 87 years was a graduate of Akron West High School.  He worked at the Firestone Tire & Rubber Company from which he retired after 39 plus years. In 1942, he married Lillian Peters, his first wife (divorced in 1977).  In 1943, Ralph was drafted into the U.S. Army – a Veteran of the Korean War; and, after his Army duties he joined The American Legion and Veteran of Foreign Wars (V.F.W.) – a Past Commander and life member of Rhine River Post 3618.

Ralph joined the Masons and was a 50 plus year member and served as Past Worshipful Master, Mt. Calvary Lodge #76, Free & Accepted Masons Prince Hall, Affiliate.  In 1982, he joined the Mt. Zion Baptist Church and was a faithful member for many years and served as a Trustee.

Other community activity included The Shriners – member Al Kaf Temple #109; the Summit County Sheriff's Office – Special Deputy Sheriff for over 30 years; and a member of the Executive Board of the Area Agency on Aging.

Ralph was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Peters, Sr., children Cheryl Rhodes and Melvin Wayne Peters, stepsons Ronald and Kenneth Childers, and favorite cousin Minnie Mitchell.  He is survived by his beloved Wife, Myrtle Peters (married in 1981), son Ralph Michael Peters, stepchildren, Walter (Kim) Childers and Stanley (Keren) Childers, Denise R. Childers, and a host of grand-children, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.