Ralph Edward Lipe

ralph lipe

March 2, 1950 ~ April 1, 2023

Born in: Asheville, NC
Resided in: Fletcher, NC

Ralph Edward Lipe, 73, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, April 1, 2023.

Mr. Lipe was born in Asheville to the late Woodrow and Bonnie Darnell Lipe. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Bob Lipe and a sister, Mary Jackson.

Ralph attended T.C. Roberson High School. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam. He was an avid woodworker and built many furniture pieces. He enjoyed gem mining, and had an appreciation of any gun or knife. He also loved music, cooking for his family and friends and building Hot Rods. He never met a stranger and always made everyone feel welcomed. He loved his family well and will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sharon Souther Lipe; his daughter, Kelly Cook and her husband Shane; a brother, Jim Lipe and two sisters, Teresa Penland and her husband, Darrell and Wilma Mashburn.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 6, 2023 at 1:00 pm at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian with Pastor Todd Reynolds officiating. Burial will follow at Green Hills Cemetery in Asheville.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm at the Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Safelight of Hendersonville, www.safelightfamily.org, 133 5th Avenue West, Hendersonville, NC 28792.

Services

Funeral Service: April 6, 2023 1:00 pm

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704

(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com

Visitation: April 6, 2023 12:00 pm - November 11, 2024 1:00 pm

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704

(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com

Burial:

Green Hills Cemetery
25 New Leicester Hwy.
Asheville, NC 28806

(828)252-9831

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Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. My best friend, my father in law, the most wonderful Dad my wife could have, and the greatest husband. I love you, I miss you so much.

  2. You are the light of my life and gave me the most wonderful life any wife could have. I am so thankful God put you in my path. He has a special angel now. Love you Babe!

  3. When i heard of Ralphs passing i was reminded of these words. “God saw that he was getting tired and a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around him and whispered, “Come with me.” A golden heart stopped beating,hard working hands to rest.God broke out hearts to prove to us He only takes the best.” He was a kind, dear fun friend and I will miss him.

  4. Daddy there are no words to describe how much I miss you. I miss you more every second but I know that you must have been so happy when you opened your eyes and were in heaven. Every day of my life I knew that I was your world and that you loved me. God has blessed me by giving me such wonderful parents. You are my hero, my Superman, my prayer warrior and my cheerleader every day. Thank you for being the perfect Daddy. I know I’ll see you again. Have the coffee ready, we’re going have a lot to talk about. Love you forever.
    Love,
    Your baby girl ❤️

  5. A warm smile is the universal language of kindness. — William Arthur Ward
    Regardless of when or where I encountered Ralph and some were not the most ideal of times in his health journey.. he always made me feel like he was glad to see me. Rest easy fine man.

  6. Ralph was one of my very first childhood friends. Neither one of us had very close neighbors so it was a good walk to either one of our houses, usually through the woods. As kids grow older, they loose contact with each other and this was the case with us but our friendship was still there. He was such a good man. My prayers are that God will give peace and comfort to Sharon and Kelly and all the family. Be proud of Ralph as he was so proud of you.

  7. Uncle Ralph you will be so missed,you was a sweet wonderful person and loved everyone. I love you and take care of my mama.
    Bonita

  8. To Sharon Kelly and Shane I am so sorry for your loss he will be missed he was a good person and always made me laugh.
    Ben Rose

  9. Ralph was an amazing husband, father, father-in-law, and friend. He was totally devoted to his family. We have been blessed to be a part of his life since Kelly and Shane got married. We will miss his bear hugs, warm smile, quick wit, his love and friendship. He will hold a special place in our hearts forever.
    We love you,
    Todd and Wide Load

  10. Ralph, you will be greatly missed. We will always cherish the time we had with you. We know you are in heaven with our lord and Savior and we will see you there someday. Till we meet again my friend 🙏❤️✨️

  11. Sharon, Kelly and Shane,
    I know there are no words that can describe how you are feeling. You are such a close family that did everything together. There has always been so much love between all of you and no one can take those wonderful memories away. My heart breaks for you. May God bless and comfort you.
    Love,
    Kim

  12. I’m praying for the family and friends.THIS REALLY BREAKS MY HEART 💔 Ralph was the BIG BROTHER THAT I NEVER HAD. I will always love this Man and his family. R.I.P. UNTIL I SEE YOU AGAIN IN HEAVEN 🙏🙏🙏 CECIL AND FAMILY ❤️❤️❤️

  13. Aunt Sharon I am so sorry. Uncle Ralph you will always be remembered, you always had a smile and always made people smile you are so loved and will be missed. Please take care of mom for us. We will see you again one day.
    Love you,
    Cathy and Terry

  14. Sharon, Kelly and Shane,
    So sorry for the loss of a good husband and father and a good friend to many. But what a celebration he is having in heaven! I know you will miss him but keep all the good times in your heart and he will always be with you. I’m sure he is building furniture for you waiting until you meet again.
    Love you
    Steve and Linda (Wonder Woman)

  15. Sharon, Kelly and Shane. I am so sorry to learn of you great loss. May the Lord Jesus hold you gently in His arms
    Love you

  16. Please know how much we love all of you & our amazing friend Ralph— what wonderful memories we have of this fun, very talented, special, great friend, that we will cherish forever! He Always loved everybody and found the best in them! We will ALWAYS cherish the memories & special times! Praying for you all! Love Chris & Shirley

  17. Kelly-
    Your father was one of the most wonderful people I ever had the honor of knowing. I know he loved you so much and was so very proud of you. I pray that you’ll find comfort in his memories and feel his warmth everywhere you go. Love you! Jennifer

  18. Ralph I miss you already I know you’re at peace and have already seen Vince&mom&dad& are taking care of my daughter tell everyone hello for me see you someday love you & Sharon, Shane, and Kelly love you too

  19. Praying for the family. He was such a kind sweet man. Larry always enjoyed being around him. I will treasure the furniture he made us. Love and blessings.

  20. My husband Ed worked with Ralph for many years. Every day I use the china cabinet that Ed had him make for me. May you all have comfort in your precious memories.

  21. Great guy, always generous and kind. No wonder those same qualities were passed to his amazing daughter and son in law. Love you guys, very sorry for your loss.

  22. Sorry for your loss. We will surely miss our good friend, Ralph. Praying for God’s comfort and thank God for making a way to see him again.

  23. Sharon, I am so very sorry to learn of Ralph’s death. May your memories of all the wonderful years together comfort you and your family. I am praying for you.

  24. Ralph was a kind wonderful gentleman. He worked with my husband Gene Raines at ABF yrs ago and was his best friend. So sad Ralph is gone but l know he’s in Heaven.

  25. I know heaven got a little sweeter on April 1st. You will be so greatly missed, but I know you are dancing up there on those streets of gold. Till we meet again and I Love you!

    Jessica

  26. Uncle Ralph you will be missed dearly. Sharon Kelly you all are in my Prayers. Ralph now you are with your mom and dad and brother Bobby. I Love you deeply

  27. Aunt Sharon, Kelly, I am so very sorry, I loved Uncle Ralph and always asked about all of you everytime I spoke with dad. Love all of you.

  28. I’m so sorry Brandy and I only found out yesterday we are praying 🙏 for you God bless you and keep you.

  29. Oh how sorry I am to hear this. Ralph was a fellow worker and friend of mine at ABF Freight Systems for many years. I have often thought of him since I left ABF. Sharon I pray the comfort of the Holy Spirit is embracing you and the family in His loving arms in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.


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