Ralph Edward Lipe
March 2, 1950 ~ April 1, 2023
Born in:
Asheville, NC
Resided in:
Fletcher, NC
Ralph Edward Lipe, 73, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, April 1, 2023.
Mr. Lipe was born in Asheville to the late Woodrow and Bonnie Darnell Lipe. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Bob Lipe and a sister, Mary Jackson.
Ralph attended T.C. Roberson High School. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam. He was an avid woodworker and built many furniture pieces. He enjoyed gem mining, and had an appreciation of any gun or knife. He also loved music, cooking for his family and friends and building Hot Rods. He never met a stranger and always made everyone feel welcomed. He loved his family well and will be dearly missed.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sharon Souther Lipe; his daughter, Kelly Cook and her husband Shane; a brother, Jim Lipe and two sisters, Teresa Penland and her husband, Darrell and Wilma Mashburn.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 6, 2023 at 1:00 pm at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian with Pastor Todd Reynolds officiating. Burial will follow at Green Hills Cemetery in Asheville.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm at the Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Safelight of Hendersonville, www.safelightfamily.org, 133 5th Avenue West, Hendersonville, NC 28792.
Services
Funeral Service: April 6, 2023 1:00 pm
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
Visitation: April 6, 2023 12:00 pm - April 29, 2025 1:00 pm
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
Burial:
Green Hills Cemetery
25 New Leicester Hwy.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828)252-9831
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Very good friend! Like a brother to me.
Our prayers are with you all. Love Bill and Ruth
Love,
Your baby girl ❤️
Regardless of when or where I encountered Ralph and some were not the most ideal of times in his health journey.. he always made me feel like he was glad to see me. Rest easy fine man.
Ralph was one of my very first childhood friends. Neither one of us had very close neighbors so it was a good walk to either one of our houses, usually through the woods. As kids grow older, they loose contact with each other and this was the case with us but our friendship was still there. He was such a good man. My prayers are that God will give peace and comfort to Sharon and Kelly and all the family. Be proud of Ralph as he was so proud of you.
Many friends waiting on the other side.
Bonita
Ben Rose
We love you,
Todd and Wide Load
Sharon, Kelly and Shane,
I know there are no words that can describe how you are feeling. You are such a close family that did everything together. There has always been so much love between all of you and no one can take those wonderful memories away. My heart breaks for you. May God bless and comfort you.
Love,
Kim
I’m praying for the family and friends.THIS REALLY BREAKS MY HEART 💔 Ralph was the BIG BROTHER THAT I NEVER HAD. I will always love this Man and his family. R.I.P. UNTIL I SEE YOU AGAIN IN HEAVEN 🙏🙏🙏 CECIL AND FAMILY ❤️❤️❤️
Sorry for your loss. Worked with Ralph at ABF for many years. He was a good guy.
Love you,
Cathy and Terry
So sorry for the loss of a good husband and father and a good friend to many. But what a celebration he is having in heaven! I know you will miss him but keep all the good times in your heart and he will always be with you. I’m sure he is building furniture for you waiting until you meet again.
Love you
Steve and Linda (Wonder Woman)
Sharon, Kelly and Shane. I am so sorry to learn of you great loss. May the Lord Jesus hold you gently in His arms
Love you
Please know how much we love all of you & our amazing friend Ralph— what wonderful memories we have of this fun, very talented, special, great friend, that we will cherish forever! He Always loved everybody and found the best in them! We will ALWAYS cherish the memories & special times! Praying for you all! Love Chris & Shirley
Kelly-
Your father was one of the most wonderful people I ever had the honor of knowing. I know he loved you so much and was so very proud of you. I pray that you’ll find comfort in his memories and feel his warmth everywhere you go. Love you! Jennifer
My husband Ed worked with Ralph for many years. Every day I use the china cabinet that Ed had him make for me. May you all have comfort in your precious memories.
Great guy, always generous and kind. No wonder those same qualities were passed to his amazing daughter and son in law. Love you guys, very sorry for your loss.
Sharon, I am so very sorry to learn of Ralph’s death. May your memories of all the wonderful years together comfort you and your family. I am praying for you.
Ralph was a kind wonderful gentleman. He worked with my husband Gene Raines at ABF yrs ago and was his best friend. So sad Ralph is gone but l know he’s in Heaven.
Jessica
Oh how sorry I am to hear this. Ralph was a fellow worker and friend of mine at ABF Freight Systems for many years. I have often thought of him since I left ABF. Sharon I pray the comfort of the Holy Spirit is embracing you and the family in His loving arms in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.