Harold Ralph Wood, aged 83, of East Flat Rock, North Carolina, passed away on December 26, 2024. Born on June 7, 1941, in Watauga County, North Carolina, Ralph embodied the values and spirit of his mountain upbringing, leaving a legacy of love, service, and dedication to family and community.

Ralph was a proud graduate of Blowing Rock High School, Class of 1960. During his school years, he drove a school bus around Grandfather Mountain and worked as a cook in a restaurant each night. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving as a medic from November 1960 to November 1963. He trained as a medical specialist at Fort Sam Houston in Texas and was stationed in Bad Kreuznach, Germany, where he also competed on the pistol team and achieved the rank of Sergeant in March of 1963.

Following his military service, Ralph furthered his education at Caldwell Community College, pursuing a degree in computer science and earning diplomas in welding, machine shop, and drafting. He dedicated his career to teaching, beginning at Caldwell Community College as a work force and grounds supervisor, and later inspiring countless students as a welding instructor at Blue Ridge Technical College in Hendersonville, NC. He received the Teacher of the Year Award during his tenure and retired in 1996, continuing to serve others through community work and mission trips to Haiti.

A devoted husband, Ralph cherished 60 wonderful years with his wife, Gale. Together, they raised two children: Patrick Wood (Lynn) and Cyndi Dunaway. He was a proud grandfather to Nelson Wood, MayClare Rikard (Alston), Adam Dunaway, and Seth Wright. Ralph is also survived by his brother Michael Wood and his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Mary Ford Wood, and his brother Leroy.

Ralph's faith was central to his life. He was an active member at Grace Baptist Church and a deacon at both Wayside Baptist Church and Maranatha Baptist Church. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, camping, meeting new people and sharing stories, and helping others—always refusing payment for his assistance.

A visitation will be held at Maranatha Baptist Church on January 5, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM, followed by a service at 2:30 PM. A private interment will take place at a later date at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.

Ralph's unwavering love for his family and community will be deeply missed. May his memory inspire all who knew him.