Ralph Dockery Lovin

Ralph Dockery Lovin, 87, of Ellerbe, N.C. passed away peacefully on Monday, September 3, 2012 at Randolph Hospital in Asheboro, NC. Mr. Lovin was born at home on June 4, 1925 in Richmond Co. N.C. He was the son of William Moses Lovin and Sarah Florence McLean. He grew up in Richmond Co, and attended McLean Presbyterian Church, a church founded by and named after his third great-grandfather John Duncan McLean. He remained a faithful and active member of the church, becoming an Elder and Deacon in later years. With pride and honor he served his country during World War II as an infantry soldier with the United States Army. While overseas he fought in the Battle of the Bulge and Rhineland. When he returned from Europe at the war's end he was stationed in Texas where he drove for the motor pool. He was one of several thousand returning soldiers to march in the Memorial Day parade in San Francisco, California in May of 1946. He returned to Richmond Co., in July of 1946. He continued his education, graduating from Presbyterian Junior College, now St. Andrews, with an associate's degree in business. He later went on to become Postmaster in Ellerbe, N.C., retiring in 1985 after 34 years of service. In addition to his parents, Mr. Lovin was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Ruth Emma Joyce Lovin, and his brothers Vernon McLean Lovin and William Leonard Lovin, all of Ellerbe. He leaves behind his closest friend and much beloved sister Hazel Lovin Rhyne of Ellerbe, N.C. He will be deeply missed by his children, Kay Lovin, Mike Lovin, Tim Lovin and wife Lisa, all of Asheboro, Jeff Lovin and wife Tanya of Pfafftown; grandchildren Deanna Kirkley and husband Keith of Burlington, Samantha Lovin of Williamsburg, VA, Jonathan Lovin of Raleigh, Tyler Lovin of Pfafftown; great-granddaughters Campbell and Carson Kirkley of Burlington; step-grandsons John Henry and Fletcher Jackson of Pfafftown, and extended family of nieces and nephews. His funeral will be held on Thursday, September 6th at 11 a.m., at McLean Presbyterian Church on Firetower Road in Ellerbe, N.C., with the Reverend John Stone officiating. The family will receive visitors and condolences in the fellowship hall following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you honor Mr. Lovin by making a donation to McLean Presbyterian Church or a charity of your choice.