Ralph "Chad" C. Colley Jr.

Ralph C Colley, Jr. “Chad” was born on May 13, 1944, and entered the presence of his Savior on Jan. 30, 2021 with his devoted wife and children beside him. During his time on earth, Chad left a legacy as a husband, son, brother, father, grandfather, faithful servant of Christ, avid snow-skier, pilot, veteran, and renowned speaker who will not soon be forgotten.

He was born to Ralph C and Catherine J. Colley in Ft. Smith. Known as “Butch” while growing up, he lived in Kansas, Georgia, Germany, and Japan during his father’s service in the Army. He followed in his father’s footsteps and was commissioned as a regular Army officer in 1966.

Chad met the love of his life, Betty Ann, in 1964 while attending North Georgia College where he graduated with a Bachelor’s in Mathematics. They were married Oct. 7, 1967, and six weeks later he left for Vietnam.

In July of 1968, Chad was company commander of the 3/187th infantry company in the 101st Airborne Division when he stepped on a landmine. While recovering, he sent Betty Ann a letter that said, “I’m banged up pretty bad, but I’m still me.” She believed him, and so their love story continued. This God-ordained partnership allowed him to not only survive his injuries, but live a fulfilling and meaningful life. They had a son, Ryan, and daughter, Emily.

Although it was difficult that his life-long dream of serving his country in the military was at an end, Chad never let his disability limit him. Within a year he was selling real-estate full time and was awarded the Disabled American of the Year in 1970. He was later elected vice chairman of the President’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities in 1986 and recognized as Handicapped American of the Year that same year. In 2010, Chad was the first recipient of the University of North Georgia’s Ralph Colley Spirit of North Georgia Award, which honors those who have lived exemplary lives even in the face of adverse circumstances. Chad was also one of the only triple amputees to fly his own plane, a Cessna Cardinal. He turned his disability into an asset as it gave him the opportunity to inspire others to live a life of purpose and dignity even in the face of great adversity.

The hallway of their Barling home was lined with photos of Chad’s many awards and photos with many of our nation’s past presidents. Among his awards were the Purple Heart, Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Combat Infantry Badge.

Chad was elected National Commander of the Disabled American Veterans from 1983-1984. This allowed him to be an advocate for veterans on a national level and even an international level. His involvement with the DAV also led to another passion – snow skiing. Chad took to skiing like the natural athlete he was and competed for the U.S. Paralympic team. During the 1992 Paralympic games in Albertville, France, he won gold medals in both Downhill and Super G events even though he was almost twice the age of most of his competitors. For many years, he encouraged others to try winter sports by volunteering at the DAV and VA Winter Sports Clinic.

In the early 1990s, Chad purchased a beach-side condo for his bride at New Smyrna Beach, Florida, an area she had loved since childhood. They enjoyed balmy weather and wonderful friendships, and made many precious memories there with their children, grandchildren, and extended family for 27 years.

Chad’s faith was vital to him and he was a faithful servant of the Lord. He was a member of East Side Baptist Church where he had taught a Sunday School class for many years. He was an inspiration to many who heard him speak – from fellow veterans to local elementary school children. Chad was the embodiment of endurance, determination, and will.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Betty Ann, to whom he was married for 53 years, his mother, Cathy Colley; brother and sister-in-law, Ken and Lynn Colley; his son, Ryan; his daughter and son-in-law, Emily and James Ford; his three grandsons, Jacob, Jared, and Jesse Ford; his brother-in-law and his wife, Eddie and Monte Putnam; and other extended family.

As Chad’s North Georgia military friends (ETID) said, “We have lost a great warrior, great husband, great father, and great American.”

“ . . . so we do not grieve as those who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.” I Thess. 4:13b-14.

Please send contributions to East Side Baptist Church for a future legacy project directed by Betty Ann Colley. Her vision is to use the donations for a Hospice House in our area. If you prefer, you may send a donation to the Disabled American Veterans.

Funeral services will be 10:00am Thursday, February 4, 2021 at East Side Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Fort Smith National Cemetery with United States Army Honors. Viewing will be from 12:00 to 7:00pm Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, with the family being present from 5:00 to 7:00pm. Services are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.