Written by: Anna S. Bright
Ralph Waring Tracy, who was affectionately known to Colletonians as “Dr. Tracy,” was born in Colleton County, the youngest son of the late Mr. Harry and Mrs. Wilhelmina Tracy. It was through the public schools of Walterboro that he received his elementary and secondary education. Upon completion of high school, he received a Pepsi Cola Scholarship to attend Howard University in Washington, DC to study Pharmacy. African Americans were not permitted to seek a Pharmacy Degree in South Carolina’s colleges and universities at the time. After Dr. Tracy received his degree from Howard University, he then served in the US Army as a Medic in Germany.
In 1957, Ralph W. Tracy began his professional career in Walterboro, South Carolina when he opened the first African American-owned drug store. He dedicated his life to serving the medical needs of the residents of Colleton County for fifty years. During those years, he quietly mentored and inspired many young people. Tracy’s Pharmacy remained open until September 2007. It was the oldest independent drug store in Colleton County with the original owner.
In order to link himself with other African Americans in the medical profession, Dr. Tracy joined the Palmetto Medical, Dental, and Pharmaceutical Association. Because of his service and outstanding accomplishments, he received numerous awards and recognition at the state and local levels. Dr. Tracy was even honored by Former Governor Jim Hodges. He was also part-owner of the former Maree-Tracy Funeral Home here in Walterboro. Prior to his passing, he was honored with the Colleton Training School/Colleton High School Humanitarian Award.
The late Dr. Ralph Waring Tracy was a member of St. Peters A.M.E Church in Walterboro. He was married to Mrs. Roslyn Montgomery Tracy of Bamberg, SC. She was an educator in the Colleton County Schools for a number of years, prior to her retirement as Assistant Superintendent. He was the father of two children and the grandfather of three grandsons and one granddaughter. Did you know this special tidbit about the late Dr. Tracy? Many residents of Colleton County often reminisce about the days that they went to his drugstore, and while they waited for their prescriptions to be filled, he instructed his employee to serve them a free soda as a courtesy. This was one of Dr. Tracy’s ways of giving back, having been a recipient of the Pepsi Cola Scholarship.
Thanks to Dr. Ralph Waring Tracy, an African-American Trailblazer, for his dedicated, priceless service to the United States Army and the citizens of Colleton County.
