Ralph Leonard Deal

Ralph Leonard Deal, 90, of Kannapolis, went to be with his heavenly Father, Monday, March 4, 2024.

Ralph was born to the late Jay Leonard and Ethel Wilson Deal on September 9, 1933 in Kannapolis, NC. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Linda Byrd Deal, and brother Stephen W. Deal.

Ralph served his country in the U.S. Army. He worked in the parts department at Hilbish Ford for many years before opening his own, Ralph's Auto Parts, in 1973. Ralph served his community by faithfully delivering Meals on Wheels, attending New Hope Lutheran Church, and gathering with close friends for class reunion meals and Hardee's breakfasts where he kept everyone laughing with his tall tales and off-color jokes. Ralph, "The Real Deal," was renowned for his knowledge of auto parts- especially for knowing every Ford part number from memory, and was valued for his historical knowledge of old Kannapolis.

His memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 16, 2024, at Whitley's Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by Pastor Janice Kelly. His family will receive friends prior from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Whitley's. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery, China Grove.

Ralph is survived by his niece, Tyson Deal and her husband Randy Morrison; nephew Brady Deal and his wife Paula Deal; great-nephew Easton Deal; life-long friends Greg and Leslie Dayvault, Ryan Dayvault, Nancy Cook Brown, and Merle and Roland Meckes.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Meals on Wheels of Rowan County or Kannapolis History Associates.

Online condolences may be left at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com.