Ralph Campbell Whitsett Jr.

A true Marine to the end, Ralph Campbell Whitsett, Jr., age 90, was called to rest on Wednesday, March 6, 2013. He was born in Salem, VA on September 13, 1922, and was the only son of the late Ralph C. and Ruth C. Whitsett. Ralph was truly proud to have served his country in the United States Marine Corps during WWII. He participated in the capture and defense of Guadalcanal, Tulagi, Cape Gloucester NB, and Peleliu Island (see his story online at Ralph Whitsett/Pacific). Ralph worked many years at Newport News Shipyard and retired from Advex Corp. in 1985. He was a faithful member of Northampton Presbyterian Church for 50 years. Ralph was also preceded in death by his wife of 38 years, Josephine H. Whitsett. He is survived by daughters, Kathleen Ward and husband, Percy of Poquoson, and Carole Donovan of Hampton; son, Charles S. Wilson and wife, Belinda of Hampton; three grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and lifetime friend, Frances Matherly of Christiansburg, VA. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Saturday, March 9, 2013 at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home. A celebration of Ralph’s life will be held on Sunday, March 10, at 3:00 pm, at Parklawn Memorial Park Mausoleum. Interment will follow at Parklawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Northampton Presbyterian Church.