Ralph Woodson

Ralph was born on September 6, 1937 in Glasgow, Ky., to William and Mary Elizabeth Woodson. He was the middle of nine children and enjoyed telling stories about growing up in such a large family. Following graduation from Park City Schools in Glasgow, he served in the United States Navy.

Ralph was a salesman for 30 years in Louisville with Dages Paint Company. He enjoyed attending air shows to watch the U.S. Navy Flying Blue Angels, and he was an avid University of Kentucky sports fan. Ralph volunteered with church events and activities throughout the years at Beth Haven Baptist Church and Ormsby Heights Baptist Church in Louisville, and at Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Raleigh, where he was a member.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Alma Kessinger Woodson. Ralph and Alma were lifelong Kentucky residents where they worked and raised two sons. Then, in 2004, after both had retired, they moved to North Carolina to help take care of their grandsons. He was a devoted “Papaw” and enjoyed taking the boys to local parks and museums when they were growing up.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his two sons, Doug Woodson and Steve Woodson (and Steve’s wife, Julie) of Raleigh; two grandsons, Will Woodson and Drew Woodson; brothers Urey Woodson, Billy Woodson, George Woodson; and a sister, Sara Beth Woodson Luttrell. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings Arthur Woodson, Mary Rapier, Jane Hoyt and David Woodson.

The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, August, 22, at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 1701 E Millbrook Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609, followed by the funeral, which will also be held at Brown-Wynne. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Ralph’s memory: P.O. Box 97848, Raleigh, NC 27624.