In Loving Memory of Ralph Walter Tolman
January 5, 1941 – May 4, 2025
Savannah, Georgia
Ralph Walter Tolman, 84, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2025, in Savannah, Georgia, leaving behind a life defined by love, service, adventure, and quiet courage.
Born on January 5, 1941, in Lincoln, Nebraska, Ralph was the devoted son of Walter Stanley and Gladys Viola (Woodward) Tolman. He grew up with a curious mind and a hands-on spirit—always drawn to how things worked and how they might go a bit faster.
In 1962, Ralph married Anna C. Welch of Grand Island, Nebraska, beginning a lifelong partnership of laughter, loyalty, and shared dreams. Ralph earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska in 1964 and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1966. Ten months after enlisting, he was stationed at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah—the city he would proudly call home for the next six decades.
In December 1968, Ralph opened a foreign-car repair business, turning his mechanical talents into a trusted and successful enterprise. His dedication, honesty, and precision built the foundation for what would later become a franchised Volvo dealership, which he owned and operated for 55 years before retiring in October 2023. For Ralph, it was never just about fixing cars: it was about doing things right, building relationships, and standing behind his work.
But Ralph’s life extended far beyond the garage. He had a passion for anything fast and a heart that was wired for adventure. He raced sailboats, sports cars, and even earned his instrument flight rating at the age of 56. He competed in the 24 Hours of Daytona twice. He sailed overnight with six close friends to the Bahamas to race around the islands. And alongside Anna, he flew his beloved Mooney Rocket plane on multiple cross-country journeys, including two memorable trips to the West Coast.
Ralph’s flying wasn’t just for fun—he also used it to help others. For years, he flew patients with medical conditions to distant treatment centers, giving them the gift of time and hope when they needed it most. A proud member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, he also patrolled the coastal waters, lending his skills and steady hand in service of public safety and maritime support.
Ralph was a family man above all else. He was a devoted father to David Allen Tolman and wife Gaëlle of Morlaix, France, and to Lucinda Christine McIntyre and husband Michael of Bluffton, South Carolina. He was a proud grandfather to Solenn, McKenzey, Stéphane, and Isabelle. His family brought him immense joy, and he loved them with quiet strength and unwavering pride.
He is also survived by his older brother Hubert Tolman and Hubert’s wife Nancy, of Dubach, Louisiana and by many nieces and nephews.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents and by his two beloved sisters and their spouses: Caroline and Larry Bauer of Plattsmouth, Nebraska and Marjorie and Richard Papenfuss of Midland, Michigan. Their memories remained close to his heart.
To know Ralph was to admire him—not for loud accomplishments, but for the steady, generous way he moved through life. He was a man who fixed things, flew high, stayed humble and showed up when it mattered.
Rest easy, Ralph. The winds are calm, the road is clear, and the race well run.
Join us for a Celebration of Life at Lake Mayer Community Park, 1850 E Montgomery Cross Rd Savannah, GA, 31406 on Thursday May 8, 2025, from 5 to 8PM.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Antique Automobile Club of America, 800 W. Hersheypark Drive / Hershey, PA 17033 / (717) 534-1910 – https://aaca.org/
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Karen Randolph
To Aunt Anna, David, Chrissy, and your families: Uncle Ralph was one in a million! He always had jokes, a smile on his face, and a care and concern for everyone. He was a wonderful man. Mike, Ella, and I have you in our thoughts and prayers. ~Karen (Papenfuss) Randolph
Hubert Keller Jr
Ralph was a great boss and gave me incredible opportunities with Volvo. I know I wouldn’t be the person I am today without him teaching me and trusting me. I am so sorry for your loss David, Chrissy, and Anna. I wish I could be there for the memorial but my daughter has graduation.
Anna thanks for all your reminders!
– Hubert Keller
Kerstin Clark
Ralph was a wonderful friend !
Ralph and Anna and my late husband Nevy and I had a lot of fun going on antique car tours together.
When Nevy died Ralph was such a wonderful help to me getting the remainder of the cars ready to sell and i will be forever grateful to him and Anna, his faithful assistant.
Antique car friends are the best !!!
We will miss you Ralph !
Ken Schuster
Of course I met Ralph because of my love for all things cars. Ralph and Anna participated in every rally and most car events that I went to. Always a smile on his face and willingness to help and participate at every turn. I will always remember and hold near my memories of how our paths have crossed and the friendship extended. RIP Ralph, we will miss you.
Stan Tolman
Aunt Anna, David, and Chrissy, I am so sorry for your loss. Uncle Ralph was a wonderful uncle. I can remember all the way back to when we were kids how Uncle Ralph would make animal shaped pancakes for everyone. Those were such fun and happy times! My family will always remember fondly the time we had in St Simon’s that Uncle Ralph made possible. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Stan
Robert, Pam, and Max Papenfuss
Aunt Anna, Chrissy, David, and family, our hearts are with you. We will miss Uncle Ralph very much. Thank you for so many wonderful memories.
Carolyn Beebe
Anna, David, Chrissy and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Ralph was such a great friend and through the years we all shared many beautiful memories. I’ll always remember the day he and Anna came to buy my BK (1913 Model T Ford). And Anna told me it was last car they had to sell after Ralph passed. Another memory, at one car club meeting, he told Lee and me that he would stay on as President if we would run it. All he wanted to do was delegate to us. I still smile when I think of this. While I can’t be with everyone to celebrate his life, my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he Rest in Peace.
Patricia Snelson
Ralph was such a great friend and always eager to help. He and Anna were the kingpins of the car club and a joy to be around! He will surely be missed by all.
Michael Carbonell
Anna and family,
Ralph was definitely a renaissance man. A person to be admired. I did not know him well but he left an indelible impression. A Clint Eastwood style fellow.
Take care Anna. You have my number if I can do anything to his standards.
My condolences,
Michael Carbonell / Wilmington island, 415 238 2357
Wendell burns
My deepest condolences to the Tolmans, Ralph was definitely a good man. We miss you too David, please contact me at your convenience.