Ralph Erskine Blakely, Jr.

Ralph was a complex character, with many opinions, and a warm heart under it all. He introduced me to the harpsichord and Dom Bedos, before they were widely popular. In his shop, I learned to appreciate wood grain and to read his blueprints, a skill that would lead me in various paths, not all of them musical. He was a staunch supporter of and believer in the value of liberal arts education, especially Davidson's. I will miss him. My sincerest condolences to his family.

Mary, I am so sorry to hear of your brother´s passing. Les Dickert PS My wife and I live in my family home on Eden Terrace

Ralph was the kindest person I have ever met. When I studied at Davidson, I worked in his shop part-time during school year and full time in the summers for many years. When Bill and Ralph were on vacation, I house-sat their place which was always a great experience as I had the whole guest house and pool to myself. I also took care of the two Great Danes and yes, I knew Artemis and Browon (?). I knew nothing about woodworking and couldn´t play any music instruments, but Ralph was very...

Ralph was my smartest, most knowledgeable friend at Winthrop Training School and Rock Hill High. I was in awe of him because he had so many talents and interests. We sometimes went together to the movie at Winthrop on Saturday nights, and I was honored that he didn't mind spending time with me. He played the organ at Rock Hill's First Presbyterian Church when Charlie Reese and I got married. We lost touch then, but when Charlie died at age twenty-five, Ralph came to express his condolences....

Our sincere condolences on your loss from all of us at the Gibbes Museum of Art. You are in our thoughts.

Ralph was a remarkable artist, artisan, and craftsman who will live on in the numerous pipe organs he built from scratch found (mostly) in churches throughout the southeast. When it came to the wood that went into his organs and the tools used to work that wood, he spared no expense . When he found pre-assembled parts to be of inferior quality, he would study them carefully, develop prototypes, and eventually replace them with parts built by us in his shop. The results were fine custom...

"Ralph Junior," as he was known to his friends and neighbors was all about music. I lived on the same street just a couple of houses down from my home in Rock Hill. His mother taught me chemistry in high school. The Blakelys were a close-knit family. Although I knew of his work in organ construction, it has been decades since I saw him last. My deepest condolences to Mary and Jennie. Ron Connelly Mt. Pleasant, SC

Ralph was the very best neighbor and a really kind man. God's love to his family and friends. I will miss talking with him. Let me know if I can help.

I always enjoyed seeing Ralph on my walks. His dog was very friendly and he was fun to chat with. He will be missed by all.