Ralph Ward

Ralph Edward Ward, 76, of Asheboro, died Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at Randolph Health in Asheboro.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 10, 2023, at Central Methodist Church, Asheboro, where he was a lifelong member, with Dr. J. F. Howard and Pastor Fred Huffstettler officiating. Burial will follow at Randolph Memorial Park.

Born in Randolph County, NC on October 22, 1947, Ralph was the son of the late George Edward Ward and Alice Wright Ward. He attended Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte and the University of Tennessee. Ralph was an expert on trains. He was an author who wrote poetry, several books about trains and a biography on his mother. He served on the board of the Carolina Association for Passenger Trains, on the board of Train and Transit Advocacy Group for over 20 years. Ralph was a member of the National Railroad Historical Society and the Model Railroad Association.

Ralph is survived by his cousins, Nancy Ward Henderson of Hickory, Ann Ward Graves (David) of Asheboro, Bob White of Charlotte Juanita Dombkowski (Steve) of Stevensville, MD; and friends, Tal Hardin, Vicki Miller (Gary), and Bob Coltrane.

The family will receive friends from 10:15 - 10:45 a.m. at the church prior to the service.

Memorials may be made to Central Methodist Church, 300 S. Main Street, Asheboro, NC 27203; or to the NC Transportation Museum Foundation, 411 South Salisbury Avenue, Spencer, NC 28159.