Ralph Blair Brackett

Charlotte, North Carolina - It is with extreme sadness that the family of Ralph Blair Brackett, 89, announces his passing. With his loving family surrounding his bedside and his wife holding his hand, Ralph left for his eternal home at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 21. Ralph was born in Gastonia, NC to Clyde and Dezaree Brackett but spent most of his life in Charlotte. NC. He had homes in Charlotte, Beech Mountain and Topsail Island but was happiest in his own backyard at the home that he built over 50 years ago in Tuckaway Park.

For 67 years, Ralph was owner and CEO of D&L Parts Company, a company he built from the ground up. Until he suffered a stroke, 18 months ago, he was still going in each day. He considered his employees his family, and every morning, Ralph would go through the warehouses and offices greeting each employee. Growing his company from selling appliance parts alone out of a used box truck to presently owning 19 branches with165 employees, Ralph was a savvy businessman.

After graduating from Evans Business College, he enlisted in the US Air Force. He was proud to have served during the Korean War. He served on the Board of Carmel Country Club and for numerous years on the Board of Appliance Parts Distributors Association serving in numerous positions including President.

Ralph loved playing tennis, golf and snow skiing. He played weekly at Carmel Country Club and Charlotte Indoor and for many years was Captain of the Monday Night Men's League at CITC. He was instrumental in the start-up of Park Sharon Athletic Association. Any time one of his children was playing, whatever the sport, you could find him on the sidelines.

Nothing made Ralph happier than being with his family. Their last gathering was a cook-out for Father's Day. With 20 family members surrounding him, children running, dogs barking and chickens clucking, he had a smile ear to ear, and he did his fair share of downing pie during the pie contest. Being encircled by family as he left his earthly home was the perfect send-off for such a man. He is survived by his beloved wife, Susan Duke Brackett, four children Deb Brackett Disney (Kep), Kim Brackett, Tanya Brackett Evans, and Rachel Brackett Nystrom (Steve), seven grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. Predeceasing Ralph were his parents, first wife Annya Brackett, son Ralph Blair Brackett Jr., and brother Dennis Brackett.

Ralph's funeral will be held on Friday, June 28th, 2 p.m., at Christ Lutheran Church, 4519 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC. The Reverend Doctor Scott Suskovic officiating. Reception to follow off site.

In his memory, donations may be made to VIA Health Partners of Charlotte - Hospice; Assistance League of Charlotte; Christ Lutheran Church.