Ralph Early King
February 10, 1927 ~ January 15, 2010
Resided in:
Candler, NC
Asheville Butterfly Trail
Ralph Early King, 82, of North Morgan Branch Rd., Candler, died on Friday, January 15, 2010, at the John F. Keever Hospice Solace Center.
Born on February 10, 1927 in Buncombe Co., Mr. King was the son of the late Columbus and Minnie King.
Mr. King retired from the Buncombe Co. School System, where he worked as a school bus driver for 44 years.
He is survived by his daughter, Shirley Canupp and husband Tommy, of Spartanburg, SC; son, Bobby Ray King, of Canton; sister, Lassie Christopher, of Gastonia; brother, James King, of Canton; six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren.
A graveside service for Mr. King will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday at Forest Lawn Memorial Park with the Rev. John Brendle officiating. Serving as pallbearers will be Dexter Ray King, Michael Putnam, Joshua Putnam, Ken Shipman, Robert Bell, and Dale Wright.
His family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave.
Memorials may be made to the Hominy Baptist Church Hot Lunch Program, 135 Candler School Rd., Candler, NC 28715, or to CarePartners Hospice, P.O. Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813.
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To the King family sorry about Ralph but he is better off than we are he has no more pain and will be home with all his family and friends. He has had a good life and will be miss by alot of people I will keep in touch and keep you all in my prays. God blee each and ever one of you all Linda King Branch
Dear Shirley and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Ralph. I drove a school bus along with him for 12 years at Enka Middle. The last time I saw him was at Kim and Donovans restaurant. We chatted about old times. It was great to see and talk to him. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
To All Of the Family : I was saddened to hear of the news of Ralph. I know your hearts must be heavy right now. But just hold on the the promise in Gods word that you will see him again one day soon. I sure bet Dale Smathers was happy to see him. When Dale and I were married we spent a lot of time with Ralph and Linda. He was always so good to our children. They loved him so. May your hearts be lightened with the promises in Gods word. You are in my prayers. Lynda A. Hensley
Dear Family of Ralph King,
I am so sorry to hear about Ralph he was a 1st cousin of my late husband Albert King. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.
Mrs. Albert King
PO Box 302
Dana, NC 28792
To the King family.
I just wanted to say I am sorry for your loss. I remember Mr. King as I called him from school. He drove the school bus at Enka High School (Middle School now).I remember him very well. He may have drove at Sand Hill also I just am not for sure, I know he was a very pleasant & hard working man. He was always such a pleasant & helpful person. He lived a good long life, I know we never want to give them up. My daddy died at the age of 53, be thankful for those 82 years God shared him with you. God has another home waiting for those of us who know Him & believe in Him. It is my prayer that your family knows Him to. If not come to know Him today. Your family will be in my prayers. God bless you in the days ahead. Teressa Tipton Warren