Ralph Cunningham

October 10, 2022

CHARLOTTE – Ralph Cunningham died at Sharon Towers in Charlotte, NC on Monday, October 10, 2022, with his wife and children by his side.  He was born on April 6, 1928 in Lancaster, SC.

Ralph moved to Hickory, NC in 1948 to play baseball for the Hickory Rebels, a New York Giants farm team.  During his lifetime, Ralph served his country in the Korean conflict and later graduated from Lenior Rhyne College with a degree in education.  Over the next 60 plus years, Ralph was a Hickory City fireman, schoolteacher, auto parts purchasing agent and retired as warehouse manager for Bloomcraft Mills.

Ralph is survived by his wife of 71 years, Shirley; daughter, Sue and her husband, Jerry Castelloe; son, Lee Cunningham and his wife, Brenda; five grandchildren, Andrew Castelloe and his wife, Brooke, Suzanne Castelloe, Taylor Cunningham, Morgan Cunningham and Kallen Cunningham.  Also surviving are his three great-grandchildren, Davis, Finley, and Hayes Castelloe.

A private service for immediate family will be held at Christ Lutheran Church in Charlotte. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered in memory of Ralph to the Team Appreciation Christmas Fund at Sharon Towers, 5100 Sharon Road, Charlotte, NC 28210 or the Library Fund at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 547 6th Street NW, Hickory, NC 29601.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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  • Tanya Pitts Krozos

    I was trying to reach you thru Holy Trinity when I heard of Ralph’s passing. I am so sorry to hear this sad news. You are all in my prayers. My next visit I will try to get to Charlotte and visit you.

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  • Roger Bass

    Although I haven't seen any of your family in many, many years. My thoughts and prayers go out to you. I was a student of Mrs. Cunningham's at Mtn. View Elem. and friends with Lee and Sue Ann. I only met Mr. Cunningham on several occasions. I doubt any of you remember, but I was invited to go fishing with you guys a couple of times. I remember those trips to this day. Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham were so kind and now probably 50 years later, their hospitality was and is still appreciated.
    God Blessed Mr. Cunningham with a long, full life. Now, may He bless your family during these difficult days ahead.

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