Ralph Wood

Harold Ralph Wood, 83, of East Flat Rock, North Carolina, passed away on December 26, 2024. Born on June 7, 1941, in Watauga County, North Carolina. Ralph embodied the values and spirit of his mountain upbringing, leaving a legacy of love, service, and dedication to family and community. Ralph was a proud graduate of Blowing Rock High School, Class of 1960. While attending school, he drove a school bus each morning and evening around Grandfather Mountain and cooked in a restaurant each night. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving as a medic from November 1960 to November 1963. He trained as a medical specialist at Fort Sam Houston in Texas and was stationed in Bad Kreuznach, Germany, where he also competed on the pistol team and achieved the rank of Sergeant in March of 1963. Following his military service, Ralph furthered his education at Caldwell Community College, first pursuing a degree in computer science and earning diplomas in welding, machine shop, and drafting. Ralph dedicated his career to teaching, beginning at Caldwell Community College as a work force and grounds supervisor. He then transitioned to working at Blue Ridge Technical College in Hendersonville, NC, in 1971. Over the years, he inspired countless students as a welding instructor and received the Teacher of the Year Award during his tenure. He retired in 1996 but continued to serve others through his community work and mission trips to Haiti. A devoted husband, Ralph cherished 60 wonderful years with his wife, Gale. Together, they raised two children: Patrick Wood (Lynn) and Cyndi Dunaway. He was a proud grandfather to Nelson Wood, MayClare Rikard (Alston), Adam Dunaway, and Seth Wright. Ralph is also survived by his brother Michael Wood and his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Mary Ford Wood, and his brother Leroy. Ralph's faith was central to his life. He was an active member at Grace Baptist Church and a deacon at both Wayside Baptist Church and Maranatha Baptist Church. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, camping, meeting new people and sharing stories, and helping others-always refusing payment for his assistance. A visitation will be held at Maranatha Baptist Church on January 5, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM, followed by a service at 2:30 PM. A private interment will take place at a later date at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery. The family suggests donations be made to Samaritan's Purse or Maranatha Baptist Church. Ralph's unwavering love for his family and community will be deeply missed. May his memory inspire all who knew him. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ralph Wood, please visit our floral store.