Contemplative guitarist Ralph Edward Michel of Huntsville, Alabama, died peacefully at home on June 23, 2019. Well known for his inspirational gospel hymn arrangements, Ralph had performed in Nashville, Dollywood and in congregations across Huntsville.

During a 40-year career in the funeral care industry, he offered bereavement ministry to countless families seeking respite in a disconcerting world. Ralph was a lifelong Beatles aficionado, and it could be said that his life’s calling was to “… take a sad song, and make it better!” His love of ornamental gardening and cemetery beautification provide botanical proof of his hope for and belief in beauty and redemption.

Ralph is the son of P. A. (Red) Michel, former pastor of First Baptist Church in Brookhaven, and his late mother, Alda Nichols Michel. In addition to his father, he is survived by two brothers, David Michel (Marilyn) of Jackson, Mississippi, and Kenneth Michel of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; a nephew, Andrew Michel (Corinne) of Nashville, Tennessee, and a niece, Rachel Dove of Clinton, Mississippi, along with six grand-nephews and one grand-niece. Dr. Michel and his wife, Joan Tyler Michel, currently live in Clinton, Mississippi.

A memorial service is scheduled at Brookhaven Funeral Home on Friday, July 12, 2019, at 3:30 p.m. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 2 p.m. until the service begins at 3:30 p.m.

You may leave memories and condolences for the Michel family at www.brookhavenfuneralhome.net.