Obituary of Ralph Needham

Kernersville-Ralph Junior Needham, 85, completed his earthly life May 8, 2013 following a period of declining health. A Gathering of his family and friends will begin at Noon on Saturday May 11, 2013 at the Pierce-Jefferson Funeral & Cremation Services Chapel, and concluding with a compilation of a few of his favorite songs at 2:00PM. He was born March 14, 1928 in Pilot Mountain to the late Fraudie and Beuna Cox Needham. Ralph worked hard on the family farm as a boy. When a young man, he moved briefly to Virginia, then to Kernersville where he began working at Burlington Mills. He continued his strong work ethic at Lucent (Western-Electric) from which he retired in 1982. Following retirement, Ralph worked part-time for Alamance County at the courthouse as a courier, as he and his wife Cameron Garrett Needham lived in Graham, NC. Following Cameron's death, he moved back to Kernersville to be near his children. Ralph loved gardening, whether delicious vegetables or colorful flowers. His yard at home was an inspiration to others, and his colorful display last summer a delight to his neighbors at Farmwood Gardens Apartments. Ralph was grateful to the Lord for each day, and thanked Him for it every morning. A dedicated fan of NASCAR racing, he attended the first race held at Darlington Speedway and was thrilled by races he attended at Talladega and Daytona. Watching baseball and racing on TV were constant, and he enjoyed seeing last Sunday's Talladega race once more, following his hip surgery the previous week. His mind remained sharp into his older years and he kept everyone informed on race pole positions, championships won, drivers and teams from the beginning years, and also current Baseball team's standings. Ralph's wit was also sharp, and he loved to make people laugh and feel good. Country music was very special to him, and in recent years he came to enjoy bluegrass music, traveling to a number of bluegrass conventions and camping with daughter and son-in-law Kim and Mike Greer. Ralph cherished frequent family gatherings when his children and their spouses, his grandson, and family, inlaws, nephews, nieces and long-time friends would share memorable times. Each person always looked forward to being with him and his fun personality. In addition to his parents he also was preceded in death by wife Cameron Garrett, sister Louise Westmoreland, and step-son Tom Garrett. Ralph loved each and every one of his survivors who loved him immensely, including his children Steve Needham and Lynn of Winston-Salem, Jill McGuire and Tony of Kernersville, and Kim Greer and Mike of Kernersville; the children's mother Peggy Durham Needham; grandson Scott Ferguson and Amie of Kernersville; great-grandchildren Olivia and Gavin Ferguson; sister Ethelyne Cavender; brothers Ray and Rex Needham; also surviving are his very loving step-children Barry Garrett and Suzy, Linda Kennedy and Norman, and Lisa Coffman and Bill, and their children; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Friends and family may sign, and view the guestbook at www.Pierce-JeffersonFuneralService.com Service Information