MILLEDGEVILLE — Ralph Augustus Harrington, 88, passed from this world into eternal life through Christ Jesus Friday, Oct. 5, 2012. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2012, in the chapel of Moores Funeral Home in Milledgeville at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in West View Cemetery.

Mr. Harrington was born Aug. 10, 1924, to Glenn Terrell and Mary Priscilla Williams Harrington, who preceded him in death. He was a lifelong resident of Baldwin County. He attended Georgia Military College and graduated from GMC Junior College, battalion commander, prior to joining the U.S. Army during World War II. He fought in the European Theatre and survived a German POW camp. Later, he was awarded the Purple Heart for his active military service and served in the National Guard for 34 years before retiring as colonel.  

Ralph completed his education at the University of Georgia. While he earned his degree in animal husbandry, he took active parts in campus organizations, serving as president of Saddle and Sirloin, Aghon and Demosthenian, who presented him with gold keys and was a member of Grid Iron. Upon completion of college, he entered an agricultural business, G.T. Harrington and Sons, from which grew Harrington Milling Company. He owned and operated the custom mill and warehouse providing local farmers feed, seed, and fertilizer for 43 years before selling out and retiring in 1994. Simultaneously, he owned and managed Harrington Farms, a commercial cattle operation. He was a lifetime farmer, conservationist and steward of the earth.

Mr. Harrington was involved and provided leadership in local organizations. We note his loyal serving as a Baldwin County commissioner, Piedmont Soil and Water Conservation district supervisor, director of the Milledgeville Banking Company, Baldwin-Jones County Cattlemen’s Association and Baldwin County Farm Bureau as well as a member of the Progressive Farmers Club of Baldwin County, Milledgeville JC’s and Hopewell Methodist Church.

Ralph Harrington is survived by his loving wife, Mary Roslyn Daniel Harrington, whom he met shortly after arriving at UGA in 1946, courted, and married Oct. 9, 1948. They shared a devoted marriage each to the other for nearly 64 years. Also surviving are his blessed children, Ellen H. Mayers and Carol H. Melder of Milledgeville, David R. Harrington (Diane) of Montevallo, Ala., and Charles G. Harrington (Beverly Socha) of Macon; his adored grandchildren, Roslyn Mullis (Frank) and Clark Mayers of Milledgeville, Penny Melder of Clarkston, Wash., Michael Melder Jr. (Katie) of College Place, Wash., and Claire Harrington and Mary Harrington, both of Montevallo, Ala.; his cherished great-grandchildren, Catherine, Rachel, Emily and Ashley Mullis of Milledgeville; his faithful brother, William M. Harrington (Carolyn) of Omaha, Neb.; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

His family expresses heartfelt thanks to each of his daily encouraging caregivers, faithful friends and loyal staff and office of Dr. Reed Roberts for compassion, concerns and prayers. Expressions of love or appreciation according to the giver’s heart will be accepted in memory of Ralph Harrington and the glory of God for his steadfastness.

Moores Funeral Home & Crematory has charge of arrangements.