Ralph Tidwell Kivette, formerly of Winfield, AL, passed away on March 1, 2021 in Marietta, GA with family by his side. Ralph was a man of integrity, loyalty, and was a true American patriot. He was born on August 3, 1929 to O.L. Kivette and Bama Tidwell Kivette. After graduating from Winfield City High School, Ralph attended Alabama Polytechnic Institute (Auburn University) where he studied forestry and animal husbandry. At API, he joined the Air Force ROTC program and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant upon graduation in 1951. Ralph’s first assignment was as a gunnery officer on the B-29 Superfortress during the Korean War.

In 1953, he married his wife of 67 years, Ramona Braswell Kivette. Together, they raised three children: Wayde, Rosanne and Beth. Ralph’s Air Force career spanned 26 years and took him and his family throughout the United States and overseas. After earning his pilot wings, Ralph flew the KC-97 and the KC-135 Stratotankers. During a combat tour in Vietnam, he flew the C-130 Hercules. Perhaps the most rewarding part of his career was serving as the first commanding officer of the 909th Air Refueling Squadron at Kadena AB, Okinawa. He often spoke fondly of the challenge of forming an organization from scratch, where he hand-picked his personnel and created a culture of excellence. Afterwards, he was promoted to colonel and served as the base commanding officer of Utapao AB, Thailand. Returning stateside, he served as a senior controller in the SAC War Room in Omaha, NE. His final assignment was Wing Director of Operation at Grissom AFB, IN before retiring in 1977.

After retirement, Ralph and Ramona returned to Winfield, AL where they were active members of the First United Methodist Church. Ralph ran the family farm nearby in Brilliant, AL for several years and became an avid golfer, as well. In 2012, Ralph and Ramona moved to Acworth, GA to be near their kids and grandkids. He is survived by his children, Wayde Kivette (Karen), Rosanne Shepherd (Paul), and Elizabeth Green (Sam); grandchildren Emma Kylee Rice (Matthew), Andrew Kivette, Daniel Shepherd, Matthew Shepherd (Jennie), Anna Green and Davis Green.

A Celebration of Life will be held from the Winfield First United Methodist Church on April 24th, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. until 1 pm at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made

to Winfield First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 387, Winfield, AL 35594. Bowen Funeral Home serving the Kivette family.