RALPH M. GARRIS
March 6, 1933-Jan. 8, 2016
Ralph McDonald Garris, 82, LaGrange, peacefully passed away Friday, Jan. 8, 2016, at Kitty Askins Hospice Center.
Ralph was born March 6, 1933, in Wayne County to the late Tobe Garris and Gertrude Wortham Garris Moye.
His beloved wife, Kathryn Herring Garris, preceded him in death May 2, 1997.
A skilled carpenter by trade, Ralph always enjoyed working with his hands. He took great pride in building his family home, along with the many homes he helped build in the LaGrange area.
Ralph was a lover of the land, and enjoyed being on the farm. He took great pride in his farm and garden.
Ralph was a true outdoorsman, most comfortable out on the water or in the woods. He loved walking the woods with his gun and hunting dog by his side or being out on the water with a fishing pole in his hands.
Very independent by nature, Ralph enjoyed tinkering and figuring things out. He loved good conversation, and enjoyed being a prankster.
Gospel music was always an important part of Ralph's life. He loved to sing and make a joyful noise. In earlier years, Ralph sang with The Mediators. The group twice opened for The Oak Ridge Boys.
Most important to Ralph was his family and its well being. Along with his wife, Kathryn, they relished their role as parents. Glinda and Phyllis have many fond memories of growing up with their dad.
A service to celebrate and honor Ralph's life will be held Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2016, at 11 a.m. at Rouse Funeral Home, with pastor Wayne Brown officiating. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery.
Ralph is survived by two daughters, Glinda Garris Stephenson and husband, Donald, of Fayetteville and Phyllis Garris of Raleigh; grandson, Matthew McDonald Stephenson and wife, Lauren Rouse, of Cary; sister, Charlotte Garris Hill of Calabash; and a special family friend, Faye Coward.
In addition to his parents and wife, Ralph was preceded in death by his stepfather, Raymond Moye; sister, Josephine Head; and three brothers, Harry Garris, Winston Garris and Roland Moye.
Ralph's family will receive friends Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Rouse Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com.
Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to a charity of choice.
Arrangements are with Rouse Funeral Home of LaGrange.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on January 10, 2016 9:38 AM