Ralph Franklin Gordon Jr.

Ralph Gordon (Cary, NC) passed away at home on December 22nd after experiencing several strokes earlier in the month. In April 2023, Ralph experienced cardiac arrest and was revived thanks to Cary Fire and Wake County EMS. He was treated by the kind and skilled staff at Rex Hospital for several months. By the grace of God, and with much support and prayer from family and friends, he miraculously recovered and lived a very full and blessed life for his last 18 months. His family is so grateful and praises God for this time with him and the memories made. In this time Ralph joyfully returned to all his favorite activities, like singing at his church, playing golf, and cheering on the NC State Wolfpack.

Ralph leaves behind his beloved wife of 52 years, Suzanne; his daughter Emily and her partner Edwin; his son Stuart and his wife Kelley and their two children; Ellie and Anders. Ralph is survived by his older sister Loretta Sawtelle and her family.

Ralph now joins many loved ones in eternal life with Jesus Christ. Ralph grew up after age five with his grandmother, Fanny Potter, and his aunt and uncle, Elizabeth and Rev. Jimmy Sellars, who all preceded him into Gloryland. He maintained contact and love for his brother Bill, who passed away in 2024. His father, Ralph F. Gordon Sr., and mother, Ruth Gordon, also preceded him in death.

Ralph met his wife Suzanne at Salem Baptist Church in Winton-Salem, where their grandmothers were in the same Sunday school class. They began their courtship of 5 years and marriage of 52 years. Ralph went to NC State University in 1968, followed by Suzanne in 1972, and the couple lived in Raleigh for a few years before settling into their home in Cary, NC, where they would start and raise their family. Ralph was a loving, affectionate, supportive husband, father, and grandfather. He truly told his family daily, "I love you" and "I'm so proud of you".

Ralph, who graduated with degrees in Civil Engineering, joined partners Joe Thompson and Gary Shook in founding Thompson Gordon Shook (TGS) Engineers in 1978. Ralph spent the remainder of his professional career as a leader of TGS and has remained friends with his business partners.

Ralph was a dedicated NC State fan; he attended countless football and basketball games. He also supported his wife's involvement in serving on many boards at NC State University. As active alumni, the couple has consistently supported the university with their time and philanthropy, making many good friends in the Wolfpack community.

Over the last thirty years, Ralph and Suzanne have been active members of First Cary United Methodist Church. Ralph treasured and revered the fellowship of his church family and always did his best to show his love in return. Ralph enjoyed serving on committees and leading groups with his wife at church. He loved singing in the choir and with the Methodaires gospel group.

Ralph would want to thank all his family, friends and neighbors for their love and support over the years. He frequently said he was truly blessed and had a full life.

There will be a service of death and resurrection celebrating Ralph's life at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 27th, at First Cary United Methodist Church, 117 S Academy St. In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate any gifts made in Ralph's honor to the church Music Program (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=L56J4NNC6YDC8).

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