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A Resolution honoring the life of Nashville community leader Ralph W. Mosley.
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WHEREAS, Ralph W. Mosley, a tireless leader in business and community, passed away on January 5, 2022; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Mosley was born in Henderson, North Carolina. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he came to Nashville in 1966 to work for Southwestern/Great American, formerly known as the Southwestern Publishing House. He sold books for Southwestern to pay for his degree from UNC Chapel Hill and in 1982, he was named Chairman and CEO of Southwestern; and
WHEREAS, after 23 years as the company’s leader, he retired in 2005. Ralph Mosley dedicated his life to strengthening the community through sound business practices, political and community involvement, and mentoring countless young men and women; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Mosley valued hard work, doing your best, and giving back to the community. He was best described as, “generous, non-judgmental, a big thinker, having the ability to get the job done, possessing good judgment and ability to perceive and courageously speak difficult truths in difficult situations, optimistic, always on the sunny side, fair and persistent”; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Mosley volunteered as a fund raiser and board member for St. Thomas Hospital, United Way, and YMCA. He served as Board Chair for the Nashville Symphony for seven years and served as Board Chair for Tennessee Repertory Theater for seven years as well; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Mosley served on SunTrust Bank Board of Directors in Nashville, the T.W. Frierson Contractor Inc. Board, the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee Board, and was Chairman of the Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency Board; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Mosley also served in several leadership roles and membership positions with numerous organizations over the years including Learning Matters, Inc., Second Presbyterian Church, and The Martha O’Bryan Center, where he volunteered for over forty years; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Mosley was a pillar of the Nashville community, and an advocate for what was and is best for Nashville. He possessed unique qualities, a combination of generosity of heart, clarity of mind, and integrity of person; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognizes and honors his significant impact on Nashville.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. The Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as honoring the life of Nashville community leader Ralph W. Mosley.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.