John "Ralph" Starr

John "Ralph" Starr, of Charlotte, NC, was born on August 17th 1926, and fell asleep in the Lord on March 27th, 2013, at the age of 86. He was the son of the late George Starr and Chaney Church Starr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Ottas Starr and George Starr, Jr., and two sisters, Myrtle S. Berryman and Irene S. Ray.

Ralph married his sweetheart, Frances P. Starr on November 13, 1948. She will cherish the memories of 64 years of marriage. He will be remembered by his children, Leah S. Dowd and husband, "Buddy” and Gregory B. Starr and wife, "Phyllis," his grandchildren; Jonathan Dowd (Suzanna), Heather Miller (Joshua), Lt. Matthew Starr (Kelly), Jennifer Starr; four great-grandchildren; Kaitlyn, Jacob, and David Miller and Bodhi Dowd, as well as several nieces and nephews. Along with his family, he will be remembered by a host of friends.

He was proud to serve his country during World War II in the U.S. Navy. He provided the foundation of a Christian home for his family. He retired from Hormel Foods in 1987 after 27 years of loyal service. He was a member of Philadelphia Presbyterian in Mint Hill, NC, where he greatly enjoyed the Fred Brown Sunday School Class and other church activities. Ralph often volunteered serving as a proud member of VFW Post 4059.

In his free time, Ralph was known for having a green thumb and sharing his delicious homegrown tomatoes with friends and neighbors. When not working in the garden, he could often be found "showing up" younger generations with his pool playing abilities or watching golf.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral service, which will be held on March 29th 2013 at 1:30 PM at Philadelphia Presbyterian Church. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn West Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to VFW Post 4059, P.O. Box 23146, Mint Hill, NC 28227-0274, Philadelphia Presbyterian Church, 11501 Bain School Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227, or Presbyterian Hospital Foundation to benefit the Harris Hospice Unit, P.O. Box 33549, Charlotte, NC 28233-3549.

Condolences may be offered at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com.