Ralph D. Waddell, Jr.

Ralph was a 1948 graduate of Concord High School and 1952 graduate of the University of North Carolina. He was commissioned upon graduation into the USAF as a Second Lieutenant. He attended flight training, earning his pilot wings in 1953. In 1956, he married Dorothy Sue Vaughan in Ramer, TN, and together they traveled Europe and the US from one military assignment to another over the next 22 years. Ralph flew fighter jets, to include the F-84, F-86, F-89, F-102, F-106, and F-105. He distinguished himself during the Viet Nam War as the Chief “Wild Weasel” to an acclaimed group of “Weasel” pilots flying specially modified F-105s targeting Surface to Air Missiles (SAM) sites in North Vietnam. He flew 117 combat missions over enemy territory and earned a Bronze Star and Distinguished Flying Cross with one oak leaf cluster, and Air Medal with seven oak leaf clusters for his heroic and exemplary flying skills. Ralph rose to the rank of Colonel, retiring in 1978 from an assignment at the Pentagon as the Director of Operations for the Air National Guard. He had 26 years of service and over 4,000 hours of flying time.

He moved to Greenville, SC in 1981 and earned his Doctorate in Education from Nova Southeastern University. He retired in 1992 from Spartanburg Community College as the Vice President for Business Affairs. After his retirement, he and Dorothy traveled the US extensively by camper with their little dog Pete. They enjoyed playing golf together, shelling on SC shores, and visiting their extended family. Ralph was a prolific reader and life-long learner. He loved all sports but had a particular affection for the Atlanta Braves and his Tarheels. There were few classic country western songs that he didn’t know all of the words to. He was a devoted husband, caring for his wife until her death in 2015. He was a great auto mechanic often with a vintage sports car in his garage in some state of restoration. He was a nurturing, affectionate, and dedicated father to his children in spite of his frequent travel and time away from home in the military. He loved teaching, especially Sunday School, most recently for the Onesimus class at John Knox Presbyterian Church.

Ralph was preceded in death by the love of his life, Dorothy Sue Vaughan, a son, David Vaughan Waddell (Sue), and a grandson, Christopher Crumbaker. Also a brother Kenneth Waddell and sister Linda Waddell Sides.

He is survived by his daughters, Nancy Waddell Grigsby (Jim) and Ellen Waddell Crumbaker (David), eight grandchildren, Bryan Grigsby (Melissa), Ann Grigsby Williams (Grant), Emily Grigsby Kramer (Erich), Tyler Waddell (Haley), Dylan Waddell, Carson Waddell, Luke Crumbaker (Melissa), Zach Crumbaker, and eleven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers; Donald Waddell (Sue) and James Waddell (Joyce).

A memorial service will be held at John Knox Presbyterian Church 35 Shannon Drive Greenville, SC 29615, Saturday, October 29, 2022 at 1 p.m. with visitation to follow the service in the Fellowship Hall. A military burial will be held at a later date at Beaufort National Cemetery, Beaufort, SC.

The family would like to express their profound gratitude to the staff of The Woodlands and the Skilled Nursing Unit for the compassionate, devoted care to Ralph during his stay there. Their attention to Ralph and his needs was second to none and gratefully appreciated.

Donations may be made in Ralph’s name to John Knox Presbyterian Church.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mackeycenturydrive.com for the Waddell family.