Ralph Sullivan

Ralph McDonald Sullivan, 88, Bailey, died Sunday, May 18, 2025.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Milbournie Free Will Baptist Church on Wednesday at 6:30 PM, followed by visitation. Rev. Johnny Sullivan and Rev. Walt Tyndall will officiate the service. Interment will be on Thursday, 11:00 AM, in Evergreen Memorial Park.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Marie Prince Sullivan; sons Rev. Johnny Ralph Sullivan and wife, Donna, of Sims and Gary Wayne Sullivan and wife, Amanda, of Wilson; daughter Susan Joy Sullivan of the home; grandchildren Matthew Sullivan (Bailey), Aaron Sullivan (Rebecca), Jack Sullivan (fiancé, MadisonLawson), Anna Jones (Richard), Morgan Lail (Bailey), Mallory Braswell (Taylor), and Aubree Sullivan; and great-grandsons William and Wyatt Jones.

Ralph was born in Wilson County on July 5, 1936, to Needham Thomas Sullivan and Elizabeth Bland Sullivan. He was also preceded in death by his brothers Donald Sullivan and S.L. Fulghum; sisters, Barbara Tyndall, Agnes Wilson, and Lois Bradshaw; and granddaughter Abigail Hope Sullivan.

He graduated from Rock Ridge High School, and then Atlantic Christian College (Barton) in 1974 after attending evening classes for 12 years. His perseverance continued in business for decades as a professional accountant, working with Thurston Motor Lines and Simpson Equipment Corporation (Secretary-Treasurer for 34 years). He retired from the NC DOT as Business Officer.

Ralph was a strong Christian who believed in serving God. In the Church, he served in several leadership capacities, including Deacon, Church Treasurer, Sunday school teacher, choir member, and youth choir director. Most of all, he was a humble servant.

As many know, Ralph was a devoted Johnny Cash fan and had a lifelong love for playing the guitar. After retiring, he dedicated his time to ministry and sharing happiness in song, often singing at several senior retirement homes in Wilson. He also shared his music with church senior groups, offering laughter and joy with programs filled with uplifting tunes and clean, humorous stories. Churches often invited him to sing at revivals and homecomings, where his passion for God shone. Music was a central part of his life, from playing the guitar for decades with his best friend Pop Wilson, and when his children were young, the family often sang together at various events and gatherings.

He had a deep love for baseball and was an avid fan of both the New York Yankees and the Baltimore Orioles. When his children were young, he often took the family on trips to Baltimore to watch games together. He shared his passion for the sport by coaching youth baseball for 17 years at Rock Ridge. Ralph was the founding organizer of the Rock Ridge Youth Athletic Association and served as its President for many years. He also played a key role in establishing the Wilson County Youth Athletic Association, and served as one of the first presidents of the Hunt High School Athletic Booster Club, a position he held for several years. In recognition of his dedication and service to the sport of Baseball, he was honored with the Willis Hackney Memorial Award at the 1983 Hot Stove League banquet.

Ralph was loved by all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.

Flowers are welcome, or contributions may be made to any organizational charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements by Wilson Memorial Service, 2811 Fieldstream Dr N, Wilson, NC (252) 237-7171; www.wilsonmemorialservice.com