Ralph Parker Sullivan, age 102, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, at Brookdale Assisted Living in Shelby, NC.

Born in Gaffney, SC on Sept. 12, 1921, he was the son of the late Oscar A. and Una Parker Sullivan. He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Elizabeth (Lib) Austin Sullivan and his brother, Oren E. Sullivan.

Ralph is survived by one son, Daniel A. Sullivan, Sr. and wife Pamela of Oviedo, FL, three daughters, Sarah B. Sullivan of Tallahassee, FL, Jane S. Will and husband Robert of North Wilkesboro, NC, Mary S. Farrow and husband Robert of Shelby, NC, and six grandchildren, Bryan C. Will and partner Emily, Thomas P. Will and wife Allison, Amy Will Cooney and husband Philip, Daniel A. Sullivan, Jr., Parker S. Campbell, and Matthew T. Campbell. Ralph is also survived by his nephews Bill Sullivan and wife Patra of Tryon, NC and Eugene Sullivan and wife Brenda of Hilton Head, SC.

Ralph graduated from Gaffney High School in 1938, received his B.S. degree in Textile Engineering from Clemson University in 1942, and graduated from the Executive Program of UNC Chapel Hill, NC in 1968.

He entered the US Army in 1942 and served in the 124th Infantry, 31st Infantry Division in WWII fighting in multiple operations in the Pacific Theater. He was the recipient of the Bronze Star, the Combat Infantry Badge, and other medals including the Philippine Liberation Medal. He separated from active duty in 1946 with the rank of Captain. He then served in the Officers Reserve Corp in various capacities until 1953.

Ralph began his textile career with J.P. Stevens & Co, Inc. in Slater, SC and later in Stanley, NC for 22 years. In 1968 he was transferred to Shelby, NC, where he later became General Manager of seven J.P. Stevens Textile Plants throughout the southeast until his retirement.

While in Stanley, Ralph was active in Bruington Memorial Baptist Church and many civic organizations including Lions Club (President), the Stanley Chapter of Boy Scouts, Chairman of the Stanley School Advisory Committee, and the Gaston County Red Cross.

In Shelby, he was active in various activities at First Baptist Church, was on the Shelby Boys' Club Board of Directors, was a former Kiwanian, and a member of the Shelby Lions Club. As a Lions Club member, he held several offices and was a "Melvin Jones Fellow," a "Jack Stickley Fellow" and twice "Lion of the Year." He was one of the founders and advisors of the Lions Senior Village and former Chairman of their Board of Trustees. He also chaired their Commodities Distribution Center Committee. He served on the Shelby Appearance Committee, Uptown Shelby Board of Directors, and the Board of Trustees of the NC Vocational Textile School in Belmont, NC.

Ralph loved God, his family, his country, the New York Yankees, and Clemson football. He was a kind, sweet person with a quick grin and always had a warm handshake or hug for his friends. He was loved by many and will be missed by all who knew him.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff of Brookdale Assisted Living for their outstanding care of Ralph for the past 6 years and to Hospice of Cleveland County for their compassionate care the last few months of his life.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials made to Via Health Partners founded as Hospice of Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Avenue, Shelby, NC, 28150.

A private graveside service for family will be held at Oakland Cemetery in Gaffney, SC, officiated by Dr. Eric Johnson.

Online condolences may be made to www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com. Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Mr. Sullivan.