Ralph Charles Kimel, Jr.

       Mr. Ralph Charles Kimel, Jr., 76, of Huntsville, NC passed away peacefully Sunday, June 7, 2026 at Novant Medical Center. He was born August 10, 1949 in Forsyth County, NC to Ralph Charles Kimel, Sr. and Eleanor Ryan Kimel. Ralph graduated from R.J. Reynolds High School in 1967 and East Carolina University in 1971. He owned and operated Kimco Distributors, which he started with his father, for 24 years and retired at the age of 50 in 1999. Ralph was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, traveling to many cities to see their games. ECU baseball and football games were attended numerous times over the years. He loved living the country life, raising cows, gardening, and cutting wood. Reading books on history and sports was a favorite pastime. Surviving are his wife of 41 years, Elaine Burleson Kimel whom he married in 1990; a bonus stepdaughter, Beth Hutchens (Christine); a sister, Jane Polivka (Alan); a niece, Kristen Greene (Jack) and a nephew, Matthew Polivka (Beth). 
       The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 11, 2026 at Hayworth-Miller Lewisville Chapel where friends will have time to share memories and celebrate Ralph’s life. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cancer Services, Inc. 3175 Maplewood Ave., Winston-Salem, NC 27103.