Ralph Wilson Cellon Jr.'s Obituary
Ralph Wilson Cellon Jr., known to many as “Uncle Ralph,” went to Heaven on February 24, 2025, one day after his 91st Birthday, at Haven Hospice, with his wife, Jerry, holding his hand.
Ralph was the only child of Ralph and Gertrude Gay Cellon. He represented the fifth generation of Cellons in Alachua County. Ralph graduated Valedictorian from Alachua High School. He also graduated from the University of Florida with a BSA degree in Animal Science. He was also the wing commander of Air Force ROTC. After graduating, Ralph went into the service and served as a fighter pilot in Korea.
When he returned from Korea, he farmed and raised cattle with his dad and uncles on their land in Alachua, which was named Beverly Hills. Ralph later donated the land for Cellon Oak Park on State Road 121.
Ralph began his career in the finance world with Arch W Roberts and Co. Later Ralph worked for Raymond James and Morgan Keegan Co. He referred to himself as a “relationship banker”, as his outgoing personality enabled him to make friends everywhere he went.
Ralph was very involved with politics. He was the youngest Mayor of Alachua at 26 years old. He was Chairman of the Alachua County Commission. He received many awards for his community involvement, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Alachua Lion’s club, Melvin Jones award, Gator Boosters Scholarship Club, Executive Committee of the National Cattlemen’s Association. He received an Honorary Degree from Santa Fe College, recognizing his support and dedication to Santa Fe College from 1969-2024. He was honored by the Florida House of Representatives as a Statesman and Humanitarian. In 2023, he was named “the most valuable player” by the Gainesville Quarterback Club.
Ralph worked hard in Jimmy Carter’s campaign for President. He arranged for several speaking engagements locally. He considered one of the greatest honors of his life to be invited to visit the White House and Oval Office when Jimmy Carter was President.
Ralph was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Alachua, serving on the finance committee, building committee, and teaching Sunday school for 30 plus years. He is currently a member of Trinity United Methodist Church.
Although Ralph was a UF Grad, sat in the same seat at Florida Field for 57 years, and was with the Gators “walking or riding”, Santa Fe College became his passion. While Chairman of the County Commission, he was able to acquire the land for the College. Ralph was an original Trustee of Santa Fe Community College and remained on the Foundation Board until his death. The Ralph W. Cellon, Jr. Institute for Skilled Trades and Advanced Manufacturing is under construction on the Santa Fe campus, and classes will begin in August 2025. Along with Dr. Richard Cunningham, Ralph was instrumental in the building of North Florida Regional Hospital.
Ralph is survived by his wife Jerry, her children, which Ralph referred to as his “bonus children”: Vicki Brown (Ralph), Rusty Pritchett (Amy), Scott Pritchett (Mandy) Kristi Pritchett, Allison Irons, and son-in-law Rick Ottinger, ten grandchildren and thirteen great- grandchildren. His children: Connie Cellon, Frank Cellon, and Diane Trexler (Tom). Grandchildren: Paige Colson (Ben), Matt McCracken (Lauren), Thomas Trexler (Madison), Russell Trexler, Lindsey Ellis (Tyler) and four great-grandchildren.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Jean Cellon the mother of his children, an infant daughter, his daughter Leslie Cellon, and “bonus” daughter Jan Ottinger.
Funeral Services with Military Honors will be held Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 11:30 AM at Trinity United Methodist Church, 4000 N.W. 53rd Ave. Gainesville, FL 32653, with Rev. Steve Price officiating. Private burial will follow at Antioch Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday, March 7, 2025, from 5-6:30 PM at Williams-Thomas Westarea Funeral Home 823 NW 143 Street, Newberry, FL 32669.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Ralph W. Cellon, Jr. CTE Scholarship at Santa Fe College.
Donations can be made online at Santa Fe College Foundation https://app.etapestry.com/cart/SantaFeCollegeFoundation/default/item.php?ref=769.0.495777831
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