Ralph Carswell

Ralph C. Carswell, 79, of Gibsonville, NC, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Friday, October 5, 2012. Born August 12, 1933, in Hickory, he was the son of the late T.D. and Nan Carswell. Ralph served his country for four years in the United States Air Force with the rank of sergeant stationed in Weisbaden, Germany. He played first base for the Weisbaden Commanders, his unit's baseball team and traveled throughout Europe and Africa. He returned to Hickory after his military service and earned his bachelor's degree in Economics from Lenoir Rhyne College while playing baseball with the LR Bears. There he met the love of his life, Georgann Alexander. Ralph worked in the furniture industry as an accomplished salesman for over 30 years. He was an avid golfer and member of Lake Hickory Country Club. He played guitar and sang for his wife, Georgann and daughter, Carol most every night as supper was being prepared. He engaged the world with a bright sense of humor and reached out in encouragement to all he met. He knew the Lord Jesus Christ as His Savior and even after a stroke rendered him unable to speak, he was still able to hum his favorite hymns in praise. Ralph knew how to play the hand he was dealt with wit, grace and style. After Georgann's death, he started a new life in Gibsonville doing what he did best making friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Georgann. Ralph is survived by his daughter, Carol Carswell Patterson and son-in-law, Craig of Gibsonville, NC; his sister, Mozelle Whisnant and brother-in-law Jack. The Pattersons will receive local friends and family at their home on Tuesday, October 9th from 5pm until 8pm. Lowe Funeral Home is serving Mr. Carswell's family. A memorial service will be held at 4pm on Wednesday, October 10th at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Hickory, NC. Family will receive friends one hour before the memorial service at the church. Bass-Smith Funeral Home is serving Mr. Carswell's family in Hickory. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, PO Box 9580, Hickory, NC 28603.