Ralph Morrison Brawley III, 81, of Mooresville, N.C., passed away on July 10, 2021. He was born on September 24, 1939, in Mooresville to the late Nellie Brawley Wrenn and the late Ralph Brawley Jr.

Mr. Brawley served his country proudly in the United States Army. Ralph loved to go to the beach and to his house in Southport. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing. His real passion, however, was in shaping metal. For over 30 years, he owned Coach Craft Inc., where he restored rare and classic cars, specializing in Porsches. He was very instrumental in the design of several safety features of NASCAR. His hands and his mind were genius beyond description when dealing with automobiles and metal.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his first wife, Melissa Craven Brawley.

He is survived by his wife, Donna Combs Brawley; children, Ralph Morrison “Morrie” Brawley IV and Bess Broyhill (Rob); step-children, Endia Plunkett (Andrew) and Zack Mitchell; grandchildren, Clayton Morrison Broyhill and Melissa Grace Broyhill; step-grandchilren, Andreas Plunkett and Navarro Plunkett; sister, Sherry Alexander (Donnie); niece, Leslie Peters (Cory) and her children, Cade and Remy Kate Peters; nephew, Benjy Alexander; and very special friend, Bobby Connor.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 13, 2021, in the Heritage House at Cavin-Cook Funeral Home from 2 to 4 p.m. A private burial will be held.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution can be made to St. Jude’s Children Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Brawley family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.