Ralph Eldridge White

Ralph Eldridge White, 79, of Morganton, NC died Thursday, April 19, 2012 at Grace Heights following a period of declining health. Born June 11, 1932 in Burke County, NC, he was a son of the late Robert Romulus "Rom" White and Annie Powell White. A lifelong resident of the Glen Alpine area, Ralph graduated from Glen Alpine High School where he was the Senior Class President. He went on to serve in the US Army during the Korean War. Ralph was an active member of the First Advent Christian Church where he was a deacon, choir member, and Sunday school teacher. He was a Scottish Mason and a member of the Catawba Valley Masonic Lodge #217. He was also a Shriner with the Oasis Temple. Ralph was a former fire fighter with the Morganton Fire Department and with the Glen Alpine Volunteer Fire Department. Ralph retired as Forest Supervisor of the Tuttle Educational State Forest, and held that position during the development and construction of the park. He was especially proud of the "talking trees". He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and outdoorsman. Ralph dearly loved talking to his fishing buddies and many other friends. He enjoyed music and playing his harmonica. He had a smile that would light up the room and warm everyone’s heart.Ralph is survived by his wife, Hilda Setzer White of the home; a daughter, Loriann White Stock and husband, Barry, of Morganton; a grandson, Spencer Cameron Stock; brothers, Roy White and wife, Vera, of Dry Ponds, NC, and Harold White and wife, Nell, of Glen Alpine; sisters, Doris W. Orders of Morganton, Mary W. Brown and husband, Rev. Harold Brown of Shoals, NC, and Libby W. Morgan and husband, Jim, of Atlanta, GA; sisters-in-law, Linda White and Virginia White; a brother-in-law, Joe Scott; Hilda’s sisters, Carolyn Curtis and Ann Smith; and numerous cherished nieces and nephews.In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by brothers, Robert "Bob" White, Rev. Clyde White, and Rev. Dr. James White; and sisters, Sadie W. Hensley, Lillie Mae W. Greene, and Carolyn W. Scott.The family expresses their sincere gratitude to the staff at Burke Hospice, Grace Heights, and Grace Hospital for the compassionate care given to Ralph during his illness.Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m., Sunday, April 22, 2012 at the First Advent Christian Church with Rev. Harold Brown and Mr. Pat Bradshaw officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery with Masonic rites by members of Catawba Valley Masonic Lodge #217. The family will receive friends Sunday from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Advent Christian Church, 211 Lenoir Rd., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.