Ralph W. Carter

Ralph W. Carter, Sr., 86, of NC Hwy 126, Morganton, NC died Sunday, March 21, 2010, at Grace Hospital following a period of declining health. Mr. Carter was born in Bessemer, AL on December 7, 1923 and was a son of the late Samuel Frank Carter, Sr. and Cora Elizabeth Thomason Carter. Ralph was a U. S. Army veteran of World War II where he served in the Pacific Theater. He was a graduate of Auburn University and retired from Alabama Power Company with 38 years of service as an electrical engineer.Surviving are his wife of 62 years, Dorothy DeShazo Carter, of the home; son, Ralph W. Carter, Jr. and his wife, Deborah, of Ocala, FL; daughter, Dorothy Elizabeth Carter and her partner, Linda D. Medlock, of the home; grandchildren, Chris and Candace Carter; and a number of nieces and nephews.In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by a brother Samuel Frank Carter, Jr.Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, March 25, 2010 at Forest Hill Cemetery with Minister Romey Patterson officiating and with military honors conducted by Valdese American Legion Post #234. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Sossoman Funeral Home.