Ralph Dee Stout Jr.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Virginia Booker Stout and brother, Edward (Buddy) Stout. He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Berry Thompson Stout; his daughters by former wife (Elizabeth S. Stout): Evans Stout, Emerald Isle, NC; Virginia S. Van Siclen (Clint), Tetonia, ID; and Terri S. Whitley (Kimball), Greensboro, NC; grandchildren, DeWitt Van Siclen (Sara); Arthur Van Siclen; Mitchell Whitley; Taylor Whitley; great-grandson Forrest Van Siclen; niece, Sydney Stout; nephew, Michael Stout, as well as Berry’s children, Janet Denby Howard (Vince); Christopher Denby; and grandchildren Ellie and Thompson Howard. Also surviving is his ‘right arm’ and confidante of 51 years, Carol Johnston.

Ralph was born on November 30, 1927, and raised in Greensboro, NC. He graduated from Greensboro Senior High School, where he enjoyed playing football. He attended NC State University, making many lifelong friends and graduated in 1951 with a BS in Civil Engineering. He was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. Afterwards Ralph went to work with his father in the family business, Southern Mapping & Engineering Company. Then six years later he took over his father’s grassing business, Southern Seeding Service, Inc., operating it until he retired the company in 2012. Ralph served his industry in many ways, among them as president of the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (now NALP), and by representing Carolinas Associated General Contractors of America as a Governor’s Appointee to the NC Sedimentation Control Commission for 15 years, where he served as chairman for 4 years. In 2003 for outstanding contributions of service to The State of North Carolina he was awarded The Order of the Long Leaf Pine by Governor Mike Easley.

A former member of All Saints Episcopal Church, Ralph served in many capacities and currently is a member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. In his early adult years, he was a football official in the Atlantic Coast Conference. It was during that time, when he was officiating in the North Carolina Shrine Bowl, that he became aware of the important work being done by the Shriners to help children with physical disabilities and vowed, if he was ever able, he would support them in their work.

Ralph’s love of boating was obvious to most who knew him. He was an excellent captain, and he spent many happy times with family and friends exploring the waterways of coastal North Carolina. He realized a 34-year dream of cruising the East Coast from the Chesapeake Bay to Florida’s east and gulf coasts with his wife and boating buddy, Berry. Ralph was a charter member of the Greensboro Power Squadron. Just mention the word ‘boat’ to Ralph; his eyes would light up and a spirited conversation would ensue.

For those who knew and loved him, Ralph Stout will be well remembered for his kindness, sincerity, honesty and integrity. He had a genuine interest in those he met, and he always sought to see the best in everyone.

The family wishes to acknowledge the wonderful care of AuthoraCare Collective Greensboro and his special caregivers, Margaret Whitsett, Raymond Morel and Olvis Reyes.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, June 26 at 2:00 p.m. at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 607 North Greene Street, Greensboro, NC 27401. Following the service the family will receive friends in the Haywood Duke Room at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Holy Trinity Episcopal Church Foundation or to The Stout Family Foundation earmarked for the Shriners Hospital for Children Endowment, P.O. Box 22092, Greensboro, NC 27420.

Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com