Ralph Edwin Gretzinger III

September 7, 1948 – July 20, 2025

Ralph Edwin Gretzinger III passed away peacefully on July 20, 2025, in Dallas, Texas, at the age of 76. Born on September 7, 1948, in Louisville, Kentucky, Ralph made Dallas his home since 1980, where he built a life centered on family, friendship, and the things he loved most.

Ralph was a respected partner at Hewitt Associates and a trusted business consultant throughout his long and successful career. His colleagues knew him as someone whose door—and mind—were always open. He offered wisdom freely, supported others without hesitation, and brought a rare combination of intelligence and wit to every conversation.

Ralph lived fully and with great enthusiasm. He loved to travel and explore new places—especially if they came with great food (as long as it wasn’t seafood). Whether it was sipping wine in wine country or tracking down the perfect steak, he made every meal and every moment count.

He also had an abiding love for sports—none more than Georgia Tech. One of the proudest moments of his life was watching his Yellow Jackets win the 1990 college football National Championship, a memory he carried with pride (and brought up often).

He is survived by his devoted wife of eight years, Beverly Hayes Gretzinger, who lovingly stood by his side every day for the last 15 years; his sister, Mary Gretzinger Clevenger; his son, Ralph Edwin Gretzinger IV, and daughter-in-law, Cheryl Gretzinger; his daughter, Sarah Elizabeth Frank, and son-in-law, Adam Christopher Frank; and his beloved grandchildren, Jackson Henry Gretzinger and Caroline Kate Gretzinger.

Ralph was preceded in death by his first wife of 46 years, Jewel Rocker Gretzinger; his daughter, Rebecca Marie Gretzinger; his brother, John Allen Gretzinger; his sister, Nancy Kathryn Gretzinger; and his brother-in-law, Carl Douglas Clevenger.

Ralph took great joy and pride in seeing his children happy and thriving in their lives. He passed along many lessons over the years, often summed up with his signature wit—“If you don’t A-S-K, you don’t G-E-T,” and “Once you have the sale, stop.” His voice, his humor, and his wisdom will echo in the hearts of those who knew him.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 8th at 10:00 AM at Sparkman Hillcrest in Dallas, Texas, where family and friends will gather to honor a life so well lived.