Ralph Houston Ferrell Sr.

Ralph is survived by his wife of 73 years, Doris Culp Ferrell and their children, Diane (Danny) Bennett-Griffin of Charlotte, NC, Ralph Houston (Mary) Ferrell, Jr. of Concord, NC, Steve A. (Cathy) Ferrell of Clover, SC, Ray D (Jill) Ferrell of Mooresville, NC, Lynn (Kerry) Freeman of Denver, NC and Arlan Ferrell of Charlotte, NC.

He was also survived by one sister, Frances Ferrell Withers of Newton, NC, 19 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. He was preceded in death by one son, William B. Ferrell of Charlotte and one grandson, Matthew Freeman and son-in-law, David J. Bennett.

He was born in Mecklenburg County on August 5, 1924 and was son of Lomax and Lula Ferrell. Ralph graduated from Berryhill High School and Kings Business College. After service in the European Theatre during World War II, he worked for the Navy Bureau of Yards and Docks, where he was a Civil Inspector. Ralph was an owner/architect representative for the following firms during his career: A.G Odell and Associates, Little and Associates, Freeman and White, retiring from Faison and Associates at the young age of 82.

He was an avid lover of the outdoors, where he enjoyed quail and deer hunting, fishing and playing golf. Ralph was very much a people person, never meeting a stranger and had many friends.

When we think of him his favorite hymn comes to mind “Sweet Hour of Prayer”.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00pm Saturday, November 29, 2014 at The Paul Helton Chapel of Forest Lawn West Funeral Service, Pastor Danny Griffin officiating. Interment will follow the service in Forest Lawn West Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Memorials may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care, Charlotte Region, 1420 E. 7th Street, Charlotte, NC 28204. On-line condolences may be placed at www.forestlawnwest.com.