Memorial services for Mr. Ralph Lee Floyd will be held 1:00pm, Monday, September 25, 2023, at Simmons Funeral Home and Crematory Chapel, 2868 Columbia Road, Orangeburg, with interment to follow in Belleville Memorial Gardens.

Mr. Floyd passed away Sunday, September 17, 2023, at MUSC-Orangeburg.

Ralph Lee Floyd attended Christ The King Catholic School at an early age, where he attained his elementary education. It was there that he developed his love for and proficiency in music. The nuns and priest taught him to play the flute and the trumpet. He completed 8th grade and graduated in June of 1954.

Ralph then attended Wilkinson High school, home of the mighty Wolverines, where he was an honor student. He further developed his musical skills, adding the Sousaphone (Tuba, Bass Horn) to his repertoire in 10th grade, as he participated in the marching and concert bands under the direction of Mr. James B. Hunt. Ralph also enjoyed playing "Moonlight Sonata" on the piano in the band room.

After graduation in 1958, Ralph matriculated at South Carolina State College, and enjoyed four years there, playing his trumpet and Sousaphone. He went on to graduate from Pace University. He had a wry sense of humor and loved playing pranks. Ralph had many friends and acquaintances who admired his skills.

Ralph was very accomplished within his career. He was the first African-American to work as a CPA at Arthur & Young, a well-known accounting firm in Manhattan. He went on to teach and live in the Dominican Republic before returning home to South Carolina to teach at Claflin University.

He loved the Dominican Republic and was a true renaissance man.

There will be no public viewing.

Family and friends may call Simmons Funeral Home and Crematory, Orangeburg.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.simmonsfuneralhome.com