It is with great sadness that the family of Ralph Harpe announce his unexpected passing on January 24, 2019 at Forsyth Medical Center after suffering complications due to a fall. Ralph was 86 years old. He was born October 4, 1932 in Iredell County to Carl Lee and Lottie Harrell Harpe. He spent much of his life in Winston Salem. He served in Company B of the 802 Engineer Aviation Battalion on Okinawa, Japan during the Korean War. Ralph was a member of the Clemmons VFW post and retired from Stroh Brewery in Winston Salem. Ralph loved stock car racing and spent a good part of his youth at Bowman Gray Stadium. In 1953, after being warned by his employer that he would lose his job if he continued to race, Ralph won the Amateur Championship Race at Bowman Gray under the alias Bill Sides. Before his health declined, Ralph was also an avid golfer.
Ralph is survived by his wife, Irene Money Harpe, and niece Shirley Nance, of the home; by his daughters Allison Harpe Doumani (Fred Doumani Jr) of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Debra Harpe of Mooresville; by his beloved granddaughters Angelina Harpe Doumani and Elena Harpe Webb; by his sister Nancy Harpe Overstreet of Bedford, Virginia, and brother John Harpe Sr of Winston Salem. Ralph is preceded in death by his step son Garry Money (Nada Money); and survived by step grandchildren Amanda Money of Yadkinville, Matt Money of Wilmington, and John Money of Elkin. Additionally, he is survived by many dear neices and nephews.
The family will receive friends for visitation between 1pm-2pm on Sunday, January 27 at Frank Vogler and Sons Clemmons Chapel. Funeral Services will take place at 2pm. Burial will take place at Flat Rock Baptist Church in Hamptonville following services. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Flat Rock Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 3800 Flat Rock Church Road, Hamptonville, NC 27020.
