Ralph Eugene Essick

Ralph Eugene Essick, 76 of Welcome passed away Tuesday evening June 3, 2008 at Forsyth Medical Center after a brief illness. The funeral service will be held Friday, June 6, 2008 at 11:00 AM at Bethesda United Methodist Church with the Rev. Doug Hochmuth and Rev. Darrin Everhart officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Mr. Essick was a retired supervisor with Lucent Technologies for 38 years. He was a Superintendent, Sunday school teacher, a member of the choir and involved with numerous other positions at his church. He graduated from Welcome High School in 1950 and Davidson County Community College and was a member of the TPA and a former member of the North Davidson Jr. High School Booster Club. Ralph was treasurer of the Bethesda United Methodist Men for 30 years. He served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. Mr. Essick was born in Davidson County December 13, 1931 to Arlie Luther Essick and Girla Kinney Essick. He is also preceded in death by two brothers A.L. Essick, Jr. and Winfred Essick, two sisters, Agnes Adkins and Mintie Steed Everhart. Surviving are his wife of 53 years Evelyn Snyder Essick of the home, one son, Rod Essick and his wife Judy of Harrisburg, NC; one daughter Susan Malone and her husband Chuck of Winston-Salem. One grandson, Ryan Essick. Two brothers, Bill Essick and his wife Frances and Rueben Essick and his wife Betty of Welcome. Two sisters, Arwilda Everhart and Freda Shoaf and her husband Glen. Visitation will follow in the church Family Life Center and other times at the home. Memorials may be made to the Donor’s Choice.