James Landreth, Sr.

Walkertown - James Ralph Landreth, Sr., 91, passed away Wednesday, December 20, 2017. Ralph was born June 7, 1926 in Forsyth County to Wesley Eugene and Elma Elizabeth Lasley Landreth. He graduated from Walkertown High School in May, 1944 and then joined the US Navy. Ralph served on the USS South Dakota Battleship from Feb. 1945 until June 1946 and went to Basic Engineering and Diesel School in Gulfport, Mississippi. His service on board the USS South Dakota in the South Pacific included support of the invasion of Okinawa and Iwo Jima, the bombarding of Japanese coastline, and many encounters with enemy aircrafts. Ralph received the following medals: American Area, Asiatic Pacific Area with 4 stars, Philippine Liberation with two stars, and Victory-World War II. He also witnessed the signing of the Treaty in 1946 and was Honorably Discharged on June 7, 1946.
Ralph went to Brevard Junior College in September 1946 and graduated in 1948 and then continued his education in the fall of 1948 at NC State University earning a Bachelor Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1951. He married Virginia Lewis West on July 30, 1949 and went to work for Western Electric in May, 1951 and retired August 30, 1987.
He was a member of Morris Chapel United Methodist Church for over 60 years, where he taught Sunday School for over 30 years and served on various Boards for over 45 years. Ralph was a member of the Lions Club for over 43 years, earning numerous awards and was a Council member for the Town of Walkertown in 2006. He also volunteered for Meals on Wheels for several years.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, two wives, Virginia Landreth and Edith Landreth; and 9 brothers and sisters.
He is survived by two daughters, Debra Landreth of Pfafftown, Lisa Landreth Sorensen (John) of Wilmington; one son, James "Jim" Ralph Landreth, Jr. (Terri) of Boardman, Oregon; his fiance', Carrol Knight of Walnut Cove; six grandchildren, Elijah Sorensen, Leif Sorensen (Courtney) Sarah Hendrix (Matt), Ana Bridge (Edgar), John Landreth, and Nick Landreth; five great-grandchildren, Lyoto, Violet, Carmen, John Russell and Jaxon.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, December 22, 2017 at Morris Chapel United Methodist Church with Pastor Dan Lyons officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1-1:45 pm prior to the service at the church.
Ralph was very active all his life. He was always tinkering and building things. He loved to travel and drove and camped the United States many times. There was never a more kind, genuine, caring generous and humble man. Family was everything to Ralph. He was the most devoted father, grandfather and great grandfather. Ralph was a constant in his family's life and will be sorely missed.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Morris Chapel UMC, 2715 Darrow Rd, Walkertown, NC 27051 or charity of donor's choice. Hayworth Miller Kernersville Chapel is assisting the family.

Previous Events

Cemetery Details

Memorial Contribution