Ralph was born May 18, 1929 in Norwood, the youngest of four children born to Wightman and Bertha Russell Vick. He was a 1945 graduate of Norwood High School and a 1947 graduate of Pfeiffer Junior College. In 1951, Ralph was inducted into the Army. He was assigned to the 8th Army Special Services in Korea. After serving for two years, he was sent back to the states on Thanksgiving Day and was discharged on Christmas Eve, 1952.
He graduated from High Point College in 1955, and in 1956 he accepted a position as accountant for Collins and Aikman Corporation, from which he retired after 35 years of service.
Ralph has served his community well. He served a total of 5 terms on the Norwood Town Council and more recently has served on the ABC Board. He was a charter member of the Norwood Jaycees and at one time served as President. He joined the Norwood Lions Club in 1958 and has remained an active member, serving in just about all offices and committee positions.
Ralph's hobby was golf. He was the proud owner of a Charter Membership Certificate of Piney Point Golf Club which he purchased on September 4, 1963. On December 9, 2007 Piney Point honored Ralph with a lifetime membership.
Ralph is survived by his wife of 51 years Mary Ella Skidmore Vick of the home, two daughters, Nancy Vick McSwain and husband Mark of Harrisburg, NC and Betsy Vick Clements of Denver, NC. Four grandchildren, Megan Lindsey McSwain, Ansley Elizabeth McSwain, Katherine Elizabeth Clements and Caroline Olivia Clements.
Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church Building Fund, PO Box 948, Norwood, NC 28128 or Hospice of Stanly County, 960 North First Street, Albemarle, NC 28001.
