Ralph Parraway, age 94 of Pinehurst passed away peacefully Wednesday, November 4, 2020 at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst.
Graveside services will be 2:00 PM Friday at Pinelawn Memorial Park.
A native of Manhattan, NY he was the second son of the late Charles Spencer and Helen Cuff Parraway. He was educated in New Rochelle, NY public schools, graduating from Albert Leonard High School, as an honor roll student, in 1944. After high school, he worked with John Stewart, James Furlow and later Clarence Riley, where he learned and improved his painting and carpentry skills. In 1946 he married a childhood friend, Merlee Roberson and in 1947 they welcomed their first child, Ralph Lamont. After a number of years of work as a professional painter, their family continued to grow, when Sandra, Denise, Nelson and lastly Cheryl were born. During this growing time he decided to pursue a job at Raytheon Corporation. While at Raytheon, he attended Norwalk Community College, where he excelled in classes in trigonometry and calculus and began working in the capacity of an electrical engineer. He stayed at Raytheon for more than 25 years, until he retired. It was in retirement he found his greatest occupational joy when he started his own business called Rent A Husband, in New Hampshire. Deciding he’d had enough of cold, snowy winters and their children all grown and on their own, Ralph and Merlee moved to Pinehurst, NC, so they could be near Merlee’s eldest sister Laura and younger brother Wendell, who lived in Southern Pines. Not content to sit around, he decided to try his successful business venture in the greater Southern Pines area. His business proved to be more successful than ever and he garnered in excess of 200 clients over 30 years. He worked until he became ill, just a few weeks before his passing. He was a lifelong member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, serving as an elder, sabbath school teacher, choir member, music leader and treasurer, in New Rochelle, NY, Bridgeport, CT, Manchester, NH, Southern Pines & Carthage, NC.
Our condolences to you all. May God comfort and bring peace beyond measure in such a time as this. Lovingly,
The Anderson & Walker Family
❣🙏 family….extending the sympathy in return. Love you
Resting in Jesus until he comes in the clouds of glory.
We will miss you dear brother and we look forward to the beautiful harmonica music when we all meet in heaven.
We will join hands under the Tree of Life just like we planned.
Zack and Kathi McFadden
God bless and keep you.🙏❣
The character of the life of brother Ralph Paraway might be summed up in a few words: he demonstrated biblical principles, helping the needy and supporting that which is fine and mobile. Ralph’s life was an example worthy as one following in the footsteps of Jesus. My deepest sympathy is extended to the family and my prayers and love are with you.
Sister Mary N. Taylor
The character of the life of brother Ralph Paraway might be summed up in a few words: he demonstrated biblical principles, helping the needy and supporting that which is fine and noble. Ralph’s life was an example worthy as one following in the footsteps of Jesus. My deepest sympathy is extended to the family and my prayers and love are with you,
Sister Mary N. Taylor
Love you
I will miss him for a short while, I have forever to look forward to with this awesome man. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Uncle Ralph is an incredible light and guide that I had the joy to witness and the blessing to know.
I say thank you to God for sending him to me and others so that all can experience his kindness and commitment in the word. We shall see him again.
Family we thank you! He and I spoke of you very recently.
Sending our prayers and condolences to my Parraway family. May each of you continue to find comfort and strength in the Lord.
Thank you family for your prayers. Much love.
My sincere condolences are with the Parraway family.
Heartfelt thank you my friend!
Will miss you so much.
Your kind thoughts are most appreciated.
Ralph will be greatly missed. His kind demeanor and positive uplifting attitude were such an inspiration every time we saw him!
Yes, he will. Thank you for sharing.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Praying the God of all comfort helps you at this difficult time. (2Corinthians 1:3,4 & Psalms 83:18). Jesus told us to pray for God’s Kingdom because the Bible promises it will end tears pain and death. (Revelation 21:3-5 & Daniel 2:44).
Thank you so much!
A great man, leader, father, and teacher. Grandpa was all of these things for me and more. He will be missed until I’m called home. I love you grandpa.
Yes, he will most definitely be missed. It was so good seeing Raevyn!
Ralph was one of the nicest and kindest men we have ever met. He was extremely competent, dependable, and talented. It was a great relief to know that he could be counted on to help us with many of the house maintenance chores we could no longer do. His gentle spirit was evident to all who met him and he will be greatly missed. Our deepest sympathy to his family.
I am so sorry to hear of Ralphs passing. Please accept our most sincere condolences.