Georgia: Coweta County: Tribute to Corporal Ronald Couch 3 November 1958 ==================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store this file permanently for free access. This file was contributed by: Dianne Wood cowetafamilies@yahoo.com ==================================================================== Marietta Daily Journal Monday, November 3, 1958 WINGING THE SPORTS by Horace Crowe TRIBUTE TO A HERO Students and alumni of Campbell High School, who have so many things about which to be happy, are saddened by the untimely death of a former student and athlete - Ronnie Couch, one of the most popular young men ever to attend Campbell High. A former teammate and friend of long standing, Wayne Dobbs, who graduated from Campbell last year, puts into words the feelings of all those who knew Ronnie, and we have taken this opportunity to let Dobbs tell of the high esteem in which Couch was held by those who knew him. Dobbs, as guest columnist today, penned these words: "The hearts of the people of Smyrna and surrounding communities were saddened this past week when they learned of the death of Corporal Ronald Couch. The ex-Campbell athlete met his fate while serving his country as a member of the U. S. Marine Corp. The athletic fortunes of Cobb County have been dealt a sever blow because this young man was admired and respected by those who saw him hold his own with basketball players having much more ability, but none that had any more courage. Ronald, as a member of the 56-57 Panther basketball squad, set an example of hustle, determination, and desire to win that was completely responsible for a number of his team's victories. As a scorer, Ronald occasionally had what he would call a "good night", then he would score about ten points. As a rebounder and defensive man he was superb because it is in these two vital departments that intestinal fortitude, commonly called "guts" in the athletic world forms the basis for all success. Ronald possessed the type of "guts" that made him capable of completing a task, no matter how large or small, that made him liked by everyone, enabled him to play first string on the only unbeaten athletic team that CHS has ever produced, that earned for him the title of "The Most Dependable Boy" in his senior class. The contributions that Ronald made to the athletic program and the other phases of the CHS educational program cannot be seen by a mere glance at his high school record. As an athlete he never broke any records, but when his team was near the unpleasing brink of defeat it was Ronald who urged them on and brought them over the horizon to victory. As a student he was not an honor graduate but through diligent study he exceeded his intellectual capabilities. As a Christian Ronald exemplified the ideals and principles of the true Christian life with such a zeal that many of his friends followed the example that he set. Upon being discharged from the Marines, Ronald had planned to enter the ministry, but now this will never become a realization, however, the life that he has lived will serve as a sermon to the many people with whom he came in contact. As a Marine, the mere fact that Ronald died while serving his country is enough to classify him as a great Marine. Ronald went about his chores with the same enthusiasm that he displayed on the basketball court. Although he was many miles from his wife, the former Nellene xxxxxx, and his daughter, xxxxx, Ronald proudly wore the uniform of the United States Marines. It is with unending sympathy to his family that I, and many more, make this tribute, for those of us who have lived side by side with Ronald, the fond memories of him and the experiences that we have shared will live forever. To any young boy who is searching for someone to pattern his life after, I would say, "Follow a hero, follow Ronald Couch." " By Wayne Dobbs PS... Thurmond Ronald Couch died 1958 on the Mariannas Island Guam He was the son of Ross & Gordie.... Thomas Roy & Gaudie Mae Gray Couch. (brother J Allen, owned of J Allen Couch Funeral Home in Atlanta). Both buried Westview Cemetery, Atlanta Georgia. Grandson of Jefferson Davis (father of 18 children) & second wife Malinda C "Lindy" Daniel Couch. Both buried Mount Olivet Church Cemetery in Paulding County Georgia. --1920 Paulding County Georgia Census, J D 57GA white, Minnie 32GA, Myrtis 17GA, Hershell 15GA, Gertrude 13GA, J D Jr 4y1mGA, Clyde 2yGA, Ruth 1mGA, Ross 19GA, Gordie Mae 16GA DIL. Great grandson of James Allen Couch 1834-1862 (enlisted 1862, served with the 41st Regiment GA Infantry, Company D, had light hair, blue eyes, and fair complexion; died Lauderdale MS during Civil War) and Mary Jane Alexander, who after James's death married John Leggett and moved to Dallas, Paulding County Georgia (and had more children). --1860 Coweta County Georgia Census, residence #672, James A 25 GA frmhnd, Mary A 28 GA, William A B 3 GA, James A 1 GA, & Mary A Allen 8 GA. Great great grandson of Elijah W Couch [of Spartanburg SC, supposed to be buried at Mount Olivet Church Cemetery, Paulding County Georgia] and Nancy Allen of Franklin County Georgia. --1850 Coweta County Georgia Census, residence #656, Elijah W 38 SC farmer, Nancy A 40 GA, James A 16 GA farmer, Sarah J 17 Ga, Martha 10 GA, Wm F 7 GA, Mary A 4 GA, Elijah 1 Ga, & Wm Hairston 10 GA. --1860 Coweta County Georgia Census, Residence #840, 7th District, Elijah 48 SC oversr, Nancy 49 GA, William 17 GA, Mary A 14 GA, Elijah H 11 GA, Nancy 9 GA, James M 9 SC.