2023 Charity Ball King Ralph Wayne McLain

Ralph Wayne McLain is a Mississippi native. He was born in Meridian, MS and later moved to Philadelphia, MS. There he grew up with a strong love and commitment to his hometown. In 1971, he and his wife, Judy, moved to Columbus and shortly, thereafter, founded Air Control Engineering. From then to the present, Ralph has been a steadfast pillar in the Golden Triangle area and is a recognized leader in our community. 

EDUCATION

As a child, Ralph attended East Neshoba Elementary/Middle School before graduating from Neshoba Central High School in 1964. In high school, Ralph was a student body officer, a member of Beta Club, and played in the band. He also worked with his dad at McLain Plumbing where he developed an appreciation for hard work, dedication, and service.

Ralph is a graduate of East Central Community College and Mississippi State University. At Mississippi State, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering with a minor in mechanical engineering. He is a Registered Professional Engineer, which allowed him to certify electrical and mechanical plans and perform engineering consultation.

CAREER

Ralph started his career as a design engineer for Emerson Electric Motors. He later worked in the same capacity at American Bosch, Inc. and was involved in the development of motors for automotive and recreational products.

In 1973, Ralph founded Air Control Engineering. The company started with two employees who serviced residential air-conditioning and heating systems. Under Ralph’s direction, this small company evolved into a full service mechanical contracting firm, providing numerous jobs for people in this area. Its rapid growth earned Ralph the “Top Dealer of the Year” award from Bryant air conditioning manufacturing company. Air Control has remained one of Lowndes County’s major employers.

As the Internet was changing our world, Ralph was instrumental in bringing wireless communication to Columbus and Lowndes County area. He started Teletec Communications, which provides point-to-point microwave data links, rural internet, pagers, and two-way radio systems for commercial, industrial, and public safety use. This, too, has been a big asset to our city and is presently serving citizens within a large radius of our area.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Ralph has always been active in our community. He is past chairman of the Columbus Lowndes Chamber of Commerce and the Columbus Lowndes Economic Development Authority. He also served on the Golden Triangle Planning & Development Commission, the Regions Bank Advisory Board, and the Golden Triangle Regional Solid Waste Management Authority. During his tenure, Columbus made significant strides in economic development and brought many new businesses to the Golden Triangle area. 

Ralph has been a strong and continuous supporter of MUW. In 2015, he was the first non-alumnus to be elected Chairman of the MUW Foundation Board. The Foundation Board exists solely for the educational support of the university. As chairman, Ralph was responsible for soliciting donations for the school and managing and distributing the monies in the best interest of MUW. Under Ralph’s leadership, the Foundation Board provided scholarships for students who wouldn’t have, otherwise, been able to pursue their educational goals.  He even sports an MUW car tag.

This year, Ralph extended his MUW support. He established the McLain Family Award for Extraordinary Faculty. This is a personal endowment recognizing the hard work and dedication of deserving nursing faculty. It is given annually to a nursing faculty member who exhibits extraordinary passion and commitment to teaching, along with exemplary service to MUW and the community.

As Ralph worked towards improvements in Columbus, he also did volunteer work on the regional and state levels. At which time, Ralph was instrumental in the formation of the Golden Triangle Development Link.  He is a member of the Lowndes County Development Foundation, which is the leading regional community development organization in Northeast MS.

On the state level, Ralph was chosen Chairman of the North MS Chapter of the American Society of Heating and Air-conditioning (ASHRAE). In this organization, Ralph was a key player in the advancement of  heating/cooling systems that were not only energy efficient, but also protected the environment. In addition, Ralph was instrumental in allocating funds for scholarships to young engineers.

Ralph’s community involvement goes beyond his leadership positions. He was a founder of the Old Waverley Golf Club and is part of their Cameron Club, which gives scholarships to high school students. He is also a member of the Exchange Club, which, likewise, gives scholarships to deserving teens. In addition, Ralph supports the Salvation Army, the American Red Cross, and the Columbus Lowndes Humane Society.  

CHURCH AFFILIATION AND SERVICE

Ralph is a devoted member of First United Methodist Church. He shared his leadership skills with his church by first serving on the Finance Committee and the Administrative Board. He was then appointed to the Board of Trustees, where he served as chairman for seven years. Under Ralph’s leadership, the church remodeled the sanctuary and built the Fletcher Jones Center. The Fletcher Jones Center is used for Sunday school classes and church fellowship and offers community-wide day care services. 

Ralph is also active in the Ivy Sunday School Class, which adopts needy families during Christmas and partners with Franklin Elementary School in supplying backpacks for underprivileged children. The class also works with Loaves and Fishes to provide meals for those in need.

Along with these activities, Ralph has participated in the Father’s Child Ministry, which is a Christian mentoring program for children. He also sponsors overseas mission teams and the church’s White Christmas ministry, that provides food for local families during the Christmas season. In addition, Ralph has provided free air conditioning/heating service, not only to his own church, but to other churches in need.

SUPPORT OF JUNIOR AUXILIARY

Ralph has close connections with Columbus Junior Auxiliary. His wife, Judy McLain, is a life member, as is his daughter Stephanie McLain Gale. Ralph’s company, Air Control Engineering, is also an annual sponsor of the Charity Ball and Ralph and Judy are frequent patrons. In addition, Ralph’s grandchildren, Stormy Gale and Gunnar Gale were in the 2018 and 2020 Charity Ball courts, respectively.

WORK WITH CHILDREN

Throughout his life, Ralph has worked diligently for the betterment of our children. He has been involved in the Parks and Recreation Association, the Palmer Home, and numerous youth groups. He is also a member of Shriners International, which is a nonprofit organization that raises money for the Hospital of Crippled Children. These funds cover treatment of the patients and endorse research to improve their medical treatments and quality of life.

Ralph stands strongly behind the Columbus Public School System, the Lowndes County Schools, and Heritage Academy. The Columbus Public Schools weren’t originally air conditioned. At some point, Ralph’s input was solicited in solving this problem. As a licensed engineer, Ralph readily designed an air conditioning plan, even knowing it prevented his company from bidding on the project. He also submitted his plan “free of charge.” In addition, he later donated an entire heating and air-conditioning system to Sale Elementary School, when they were in need. Generations of school children continue to benefit from Ralph’s generosity.

Ralph understands the entire community is responsible for the education of its children. Because of this belief, he served on the executive board of the Boy Scouts of America, where he stressed the importance of service, community engagement, and leadership in the scouting program. He also helped them identify skills needed for economic growth.

Ralph has also financially sponsored children on retreats, mission trips, and other youth trips, when personal funds weren’t available. He did so quietly and anonymously, with no desire for recognition.

Ralph has given his heart and soul to the children of this area. He has donated his time and resources to provide them a place to prosper. Ralph’s footprints will be followed by these children for many years to come.