Ralph Duckworth, Jr.

Ralph Duckworth, Jr., 77, of Valdese, NC died Saturday, October 24, 2015.  Born in Burke County, NC on December 24, 1937, he was the son of the late Rufus Ralph Duckworth, Sr. and Emily Louise Secrest Duckworth McFall.  Ralph retired from General Electric after 38 years.  He was an avid high school football fan who, along with his friend, John Henry, hardly missed a Friday night game in 43 years.  Mr. Duckworth also enjoyed golf, round track racing, and NASCAR.

A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Ralph is survived by his wife, Melitta Kling Duckworth of the home; sons, Rufus Ralph Duckworth, III and his wife, Donna, of Bladenboro, NC, Tony Duckworth and his wife, Maxine, of Holly Ridge, NC, Brian Duckworth and his wife, Rose, of Lumberton, NC, and Rick Harrill and his wife, Dana, of Hickory, NC; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a sister, Mary Ann Davis of Huntersville, NC; a step-brother, Glen McFall; a step-sister, Gail Carondoni; three nephews; and four nieces.

In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by his son, J. L. Duckworth; a grandson, A. J. Duckworth; and a sister, Martha Arney.

The family will receive friends from 1 – 2 p.m., Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center.  The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. in the Colonial Chapel of the funeral home with the Rev. Cade Burns officiating.  Entombment will follow in Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum.