Ralph L. Easterling died on the 14th of July, 2021 in peace in the care of Aldersgate Hospice House. He was comforted by his love of his faith, family and friends for 97 wonderful years. He adored Louise Thompson Easterling, his wife of 62 years, who predeceased him in 2009. Ralph survived the loss of his close brothers and lifelong friends, Olin Adams, Jack Adams, and James Easterling. He cherished his children and their partners: Nikki Easterling and Jay Fisher, Nancy Easterling and Chuck Anderson, Rusty and Suzanne Easterling and Julie and Al Tillis. His grandchildren and their spouses were a special joy: Noah and Evelina Fisher, Amon Anderson and Erica Mutchler, Emily and Nate Bourassa, Kesson Anderson and Chris Hastings, and Eva and Stephen Berisford. And Ralph took pride as a great granddad to nine children who will pass on his amazing stories. Ralph’s legacy of Christian love, generosity of spirit, and boundless humor will be with friends and family always.
Ralph grew up in Hartsville, SC and Flat Rock, NC. He always loved airplanes and by age 11 he was flying with local pilots in Flat Rock. At age 18 he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving as a fighter pilot, flying P-47s, P-40s and P-38s with the 49th Fighter Group in the South Pacific Theater, completing120 combat missions. He retired from the NC Air National Guard as a Lieutenant Colonel.
Over his lifetime in Charlotte, he enjoyed productive careers in quality engineering at Whiten Machine Works and Duke Power, earning national recognition along the way. He was instrumental in development of the Charlotte–Douglas Airport, serving for many years on the Charlotte Airport Advisory Council. After retiring Ralph traveled around the world with Louise and spent time with the family that he loved.
Ralph strived to live a life according to his beliefs. He and his grandkids served Friendship Trays all over Charlotte. He was a docent for years at the Carolinas Aviation Museum and a community leader in west Charlotte and St. James United Methodist Church. His faith was a foundation that guided him through difficult and happy times. Ralph touched the hearts of so many through his stories, humor, and wise acceptance of the differences in each of us.
The family extends deep thanks to the staff of Aldersgate’s Parker Terrace and Hospice House.
A lifelong aviator in his heart, Ralph’s phone answering message closed with his wishes to all to “have a soft landing,” and he might be seen in the sky still, circling high above the clouds.
A graveside Committal Service with Military Honors will take place on Saturday the 24th of July, 2021 at 11:00AM at Forest Lawn West Cemetery, Charlotte, NC. Pastor Josh Kurtz, Assurance United Methodist Church will officiate.
A Memorial Celebration Service of Ralph’s life will be held Sunday, the 15th of August, 2021 at 1:00PM at Aldersgate Retirement Community, Ray Hall Chapel, Charlotte, NC. Chaplain Karen Moore, Aldersgate UMRC, and Pastor Josh Kurtz, Assurance, will officiate.
For a livestream link to the Memorial Service go to https://youtu.be/p__iqhpLoa8
Donations in Ralph’s memory may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region, Charlotte Friendship Trays, or Carolinas Aviation Museum.
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