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Ralph Knapp Obituary
An ambitious businessman, Ralph started his career selling cars in Northern Virginia and quickly rose to the top through his competitive and uniquely charming personality. In the mid-eighties he returned to Virginia Beach and founded Action Paving; through vision and leadership his business thrived and currently employs over 25 people. His accomplished team, led by Dave Corbin, meant the world to Ralph.
In 1999, Ralph married Brenda Jarrell. Together they worked to build multiple successful businesses affecting the lives of many, while also prioritizing time with family and friends. They shared a deep passion for golf and as Ralph never did anything half-way, became an accomplished golfer. He was club champion at the Cavalier Golf and Yacht Club in Virginia Beach and at The Legacy in Port St. Lucie Florida his winter home. If you were a competitive golfer in the Tidewater area, you knew of Ralph.
Ralph was a courageous pioneer in his almost 8-year bout with kidney cancer. He traveled and participated in 5 clinical trials in 3 different states that led the way to improved methods for kidney cancer. In the end, Ralph was cancer free; however, collateral damage from earlier treatments took its toll. Brenda was Ralph's constant co-pilot through his amazing journey. Ralph and Brenda are co-founders of KidneyCAN, a nonprofit which advocates for funding for kidney cancer research. The primary mission of KidneyCAN is to accelerate a cure. Through grassroots advocacy efforts, KidneyCAN has been instrumental in securing $185 million in federal funding for research. A special thanks goes to Dr. Hans Hammers and the many medical experts from around the country who took excellent care of Ralph.
Ralph is remembered for his kindness and a personality that would fill any room, if not a community. However, most important to Ralph was his passion for his Christian faith and family.
Ralph is survived by his loving wife Brenda Knapp, mother Gerri Knapp, siblings Greg Knapp, Lorraine Kohart and Peter Knapp. Ralph loved all his family including his 12 nieces and nephews. Ralph was preceded in death by his father Ralph Knapp, Sr.
While Ralph gave kidney cancer a major setback, there is still much work to be done so please donate to www.kidneycan.org in lieu of flowers or gifts.
A Celebration of Life will be held in both Florida and Virginia Beach in the coming weeks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Knapp
Sponsored by the family.
Lori Burchette
March 21, 2025
Such a ray of Sunshine -LB
Jim Rudolph
June 7, 2022
So sorry to hear about this. I followed his success and ambitious affiliations and was impressed with the man he became since I knew him as a start up businessman many years ago.
Gary Briggs
April 15, 2022
Brenda,
I just heard the news.
My deepest condolences.
Barbara Fleming
March 30, 2022
The courage of Ralph and Brenda knows no bounds, and I hope his family and friends can take solace in the fact that he fought hard make major advances in medical research. My deep sympathy to them all.
Pat Ayres
March 29, 2022
May your memories and faith give you the strength and peace you need. My prayers are for your entire family. I will have a tree will be planted in his memory.
Marie Foreman
March 28, 2022
My thoughts and prayers go out to Brenda and the family. I had the privilege of being Ralph's barber in Va. Beach for many years. I will surely miss him and our talks. He was a special and caring man.
Jeannette Angel Weisbrodt
March 28, 2022
Brenda, Gerri, and family. You all will be remembered in my prayers. You have my deepest sympathies.
Michael Daschbach
March 28, 2022
My memories of Ralph started back in the 80's when we were both selling cars for Toyota. He was a very demonstrative and successful salesman. Later, reconnecting in Virginia Beach, I watched him hone his golf skills to the highest. I even helped tune his golf clubs in my fitting shop.
May you rest in peace, my friend!
Bucky and Carmela Houser
March 28, 2022
We will always remember Ralphs wonder smile and laugh. He wore them through the entire fight. Our hearts go out to Brenda and Knapp family
RYAN HARRINGTON
March 27, 2022
Ralph knapp was a fantastic guy and wonderful person and was always there to help if you needed and always listen I work a Cavlier golf and yacht it was one of cooliest and wonderful members there he will be truly miss around the Cavlier he always put a smile on your face and made your day
Pat and Suzanne Gravitt
March 27, 2022
Dear Brenda and family,
We are so sorry to learn of Ralph's passing. He was a special person who will be missed but never forgotten. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ann and Steve Douglass
March 27, 2022
The world just lost one of the good guys. It has been diminished, and Ralph will be deeply missed. In addition to being a great golfer and one of the most thoughtful and considerate individuals we ever had the privilege of knowing, he married a princess.
Lori Burchette
March 27, 2022
Brenda- May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Ralph was a Ray of Sunshine full of hope- and will be missed- do take care and know that Grace will lead you on
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