Ralph Lane

Ralph H. Lane MAPLE - Ralph H. Lane, 82, left his home on this earth he cherished so dearly Jan. 11, 2011. Ralph was the youngest of nine children, born to Annie Laura Harper and William Joseph Lane Sept. 1, 1928. He was born and raised in Rocky Mount, N.C. Among one of the many stories we loved to hear, was how he became the state champion in marble shooting. In 1943, with the help of his mother, he joined the U.S. Navy at the age of 14. Before the age of 17, he had fought in seven major battles. He served in the U.S. Navy through the duration of World War II, the Korean and Vietnam wars. The love and passion he felt for his country will forever be instilled in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. When we hear the Star Spangled Banner, our hands will reach for our hearts and Daddy will always be there with us. When we hear "America the Beautiful," we will remember singing it with Daddy in the car. When Kate Smith sings "God Bless America," we will remember Daddy telling us no one could sing it like Kate. Eleven years later, he returned to Rocky Mount and married our Mama, the late Willa Lane. Ralph would spend the next 12 years serving our country in the U.S. Navy. Ralph and his family moved to Coinjock, N.C., in 1967 where they started a bait and tackle business that today is known as Currituck Sports I and II. Ralph is survived by three daughters, Cynthia Spain and husband Kevin of Poplar Branch, Melody Lane of Palm Bay, Fla., and Sybil O'Neal, and husband, Ed of Maple; nine grandchildren, Amber Wessel and husband Dr. Richard F. Wessel Jr. of Elizabeth City, Ashley Beacham, and wife Ashley of Kailua, Hawaii, Samantha Page, and husband Jarrod of Aydlett, Michael Harris, and wife Jennifer of Melbourne, Fla., Zachary Harris of Wilmington, N.C., Dustin Spain of Winter Park, Fla., Joshua Harris, and wife Amy of Tuscon, Ariz., and Megan Spain of Poplar Branch; five great-grandchildren, Lauren Lea Wessel, Miles Lane Beacham, Faith Evan Dodson, Emerson O'Neal Page, and Kenley Arlene Harris; and one sister, Rachel Noel of Fredricksburg, Va. Ralph was predeceased by his wife, Willa Lane and great-granddaughter, Victoria Noel Wessel. Ralph will also be missed by his beloved dog, Georgette. A graveside service will be held Saturday, Jan. 15, at 11 a.m. in West Lawn Cemetery in Elizabeth City, N.C. The family will receive friends following the service and at other times at the residence of the daughter, Sybil and Ed O'Neal, 3537 Caratoke Highway, Maple. The family of Mr. Lane wishes to thank family and friends for their love, support and prayers during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a charity of your choice. Twiford Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel of Elizabeth City, is serving the Lane family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.twifordfh.com.