Ralph Paul Barnwell
June 9, 1921 ~ February 19, 2005
Resided in:
Fletcher, NC
Ralph Paul Barnwell, 83, of Fletcher, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 19, 2005. To God be all the glory for His merciful grace!
A native of Henderson County, he served in the US Army during World War II. He retired from Biltmore Bleacheries after 37 years of service. He had enjoyed 21 years of retirement, mostly in the garden and yard at home that he loved so much. He was a member of Hooper's Creek Baptist Church.
He was the son of the late Otto Southern Barnwell and Elizabeth Holbert Barnwell. He was preceded in death by a son, Robert Barnwell, and two sisters, Vesta Garren and Alice Suttles, along with a brother, Alonzo Barnwell.
Surviving are his loving wife of 63 years, Flora Buckner Barnwell of the home; two daughters, Judy Silvers and her husband Bill, and Karen Walker and her husband Donnie, all of Fletcher. He was the loving "Papaw" of five grandchildren, Brian Barnwell, Shawna Metzker, Chad Walker, Brandi Hudgins, and Jenny Walker. He also is survived by four great-grandchildren, Cody and Casey Barnwell, Adrian Metzker, and Caleb Walker. In addition, he is survived by two brothers, Southern and Lawrence Barnwell, both of Fletcher.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 22, at 11:00 A.M. at Hooper's Creek Baptist Church with the Rev. Lawrence Rhodes and Rev. Donnie Walker officiating. Burial will follow in Shepherd Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends at the church on Monday from 6:00-8:00 P.M. At other times, the family will be at the home of the residence.
He will be missed as a husband, daddy, papaw, and a friend. But we rejoice that ....."To be absent from the body is to present with the Lord."
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian on Long Shoals Road is in charge of arrangements.
Dear Family, we send our deepest sympathy and love to all of you. Mr. Barnwell will be greatly missed. He was a great inspiration to us when we were there with you at Hoopers Creek. God Bless and Comfort you. We love and miss all of you.
I know this is a very difficult time for you. Your family is in our prayers.
JudyOur hearts hurt for you in this hourbut Heaven is now a little more complete..Our prayers are with youthanks for giving me the oppurinityto meet him…..Bill Beaver
Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole family.