Ralph Crotts

Ralph Crotts, 93, slipped peacefully away from this life on the morning of August 17, 2023.

Born March 20, 1930 in the New House community of Cleveland County, NC, Ralph was raised by Christian parents, a hard-working and humble farming couple, who instilled in him the importance of living a moral and disciplined life.

After graduating from Polkville High School, Ralph completed business college studies at Columbia Commercial College in Columbia, SC. While there, he met his beautiful bride to be and they married in August of 1950. Ralph and Jean began raising their four children in Columbia over the next 17 years while Ralph established himself as an accomplished sales and marketing professional in the transportation industry, including both railroad and long distance trucking organizations.

In early 1967, Ralph moved his family to Sullivan’s Island, SC while he was employed as a District Manager for Atlantic Coastline Railroad at the company’s Charleston operation. In order to advance into higher transportation services levels of management, Ralph moved the family two additional times over the next five years: first to Gastonia, NC (Central Motor Lines, Director of Marketing at Charlotte) and then to Anchorage, Alaska where he was employed by Sealand Corporation (Maersk container shipping) as Alaska Sales Manager. The Alaska opportunity became one of Ralph’s most successful and personally rewarding vocational endeavors.

1976 arrived and Ralph and Jean had returned to their native North Carolina where they built an attractive home on land Ralph inherited from his parents. His well-developed, innovative and professional business skills were again demonstrated during his employment with Dixie Industrial Supply of Shelby, NC from 1976 until his retirement in March of 1995; Ralph held the position of General Manager for the organization’s Industrial Fluids Division.

Additional accomplishments during Ralph’s lifetime included: Master Sergeant, U.S. Army Reserves; Master Mason and Life Member of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry; SC Midlands Scout Leader; Sunday School Teacher and Church Deacon.

Ralph and Jean enjoyed over 20 retirement years together before Jean passed away in 2019 after 69 years of marriage. In addition to his wife Jean Owen Crotts, Ralph was predeceased by his parents Walter and Grace Jenkins Crotts, brother Gene Crotts (Jerri) and sister Betty Ledford (Walt). Those remaining to appreciate his memory include sons Ed Crotts (Susan) of Forest City, NC; Gary Crotts (Mackie) of Chesnee, SC; Rick Crotts (Judy) of Shelby, NC and daughter Nancy Eaker (Michael) of Bessemer City, NC. Ralph is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, as well as several nephews and nieces.

Arrangements on Sunday, August 20th for Ralph include visitation at 2:00 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 3:00 p.m. at Sandy Plains Baptist Church on New House Road, Shelby, NC with Pastor Ed Crotts and brothers Gary and Rick Crotts officiating.

The family expresses special appreciation to the staff of our local Hospice organization in Cleveland County (VIA Health Partners) who have assisted with Ralph’s care and comfort needs during his final weeks with us, as well as those who have sent cards, called, prepared meals and taken time to visit with him. We are grateful and thank each of you.

Instead of flowers, financial gifts in Ralph’s honor may be designated to the Cemetery Fund, Sandy Plains Baptist Church, 2112 New House Rd., Shelby, NC 28150 and/or the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 950 Faris Rd., Greenville, SC 29605 (online giving: https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/).

Robert Morgan Funeral and Cremation Service, LLC of Boiling Springs, NC is entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.rsmorganfsl.com.

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