On Friday afternoon, February 7, 2025, this world lost one of its finest souls as Ralph C. Lackey departed this life into the arms of his loving Father.

In his 88 years, Ralph lived as vibrant a life as one could as a proud member of the United States Navy, as a kind and loving husband and father, as an employee for Western Electric and AT&T, as a gentle owner to numerous pets, as a lover of Golden Age Western music, as an avid reader of classic Western novels and Science fiction masters, and as a quietly proud Duke basketball fan.

Ralph, Millie and their children lived many happy years in the N.C. cities of Burlington, Winston-Salem, and the sweet little Town of Midway. They enjoyed the community of Christian fellowship at Midway United Methodist Church for many years. Lasting friendships were formed at Midway UMC, and it still holds a cherished place in their hearts and minds.

Ralph was loved by all who knew him. His brilliant mind held a lifetime of knowledge that fascinated anyone who got to spend time with him in conversation. His quiet, gentle, selfless nature, his strength, stability, and honorable character made a lifelong impact on everyone who knew him best.

Preceding Ralph in death were his wife of over 40 years, Mildred “Millie” Arthurs Lackey; his parents, Frank and Dovie Lackey; and his siblings, Robert, Doug, and Jeanne Lackey.

Ralph is survived by his children, their spouses and grandchildren, Robert, Serena, and Aidan Koonts, Mitch and Valerie Stone, and Trent, Adeline and Wyatt Lackey.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to all of the staff of the North Carolina Veterans Home in Kernersville, and their in-house Hospice Team, Pruitt Hospice of Wilkes for the exemplary care and dignity they gave him since July 2023.

His Visitation will be held at Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home in Statesville on Saturday, February 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. Light refreshments will be available. The Memorial Service will be held the following day, Sunday, February 16, at 2 p.m. at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church in Troutman. The Memorial Service will be live-streamed on Bunch-Johnson’s Facebook page and may be viewed by visiting https://www.facebook.com/BunchJohnsonFuneral. The live-stream will begin a few minutes prior to the Service time.

At the conclusion of the Service Ralph will be laid to rest at St. Michael’s Cemetery in Troutman. The family extends an invitation to any who would want to join them at the grave site.

Flowers or plants will be appreciated by the family and can be sent to Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home by Saturday, February 15. Memorials in Ralph’s honor may be given to the American Red Cross (redcross.org), Midway Church (midwaymethodist.org), PruittHealth Hospice in Wilkes (pruittcares.org), or ASPCA.org/ASSIST

Condolences and fond memories may be shared with the family at http://www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com

Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the care of Mr. Lackey and his family.