Ralph O'Neil Starnes

Ralph O’Neil Starnes, 77, of Monroe walked through Heaven’s gate on Tuesday, April 22, 2014. He was the son of the late Murray Overton Starnes and Jeanette Robinson Starnes and was born on August 16, 1936. O’Neil graduated from Prospect High School and attended technical school for a lifelong career in pneumatic controls. O’Neil was a lifelong member of Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Waxhaw where he and his wife raised their three boys. He was a proud husband, father and grandfather who enjoyed his retirement and seeing his children and grandchildren grow. He would most often be found at a nearby ball field or working in the garden or yard. O’Neil is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Betty Ann McGinnis Starnes of Monroe; his children, Nolan Starnes (Edwina Long), Nathan Starnes (Angie Speaks), and Todd Starnes (Kim Cobb), all of Monroe. O’Neil has five grandchildren--Taylor Starnes, Parker Starnes, Chandler Starnes, Carson Starnes, and Dillon Durham--who will carry on his legacy. He is also survived by one brother, Jerry Starnes (Phyllis Moore) of Monroe. O’Neil was preceded in death by his parents, Murray and Jeanette Starnes; two brothers, Hal Starnes and Hazel Starnes; and two sisters, Lita Gray Sojeba and Avenell Hinson. The family would like to extend special thanks to Hospice of Union County, Dr. Browse, and all the friends and relatives for their visits, acts of kindness, thoughts and prayers. The Starnes family will receive friends at Bethlehem United Methodist, 5300 Nesbit Road, Waxhaw, NC 28173 at 1 pm on Thursday, April 24, 2014 with a memorial service to follow at 2 pm on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Union County, 700 W. Roosevelt Blvd, Monroe, NC 28110 or Bethlehem United Methodist Church, 5300 Nesbit Road, Waxhaw NC 28173. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gordon Funeral Service Crematory. Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com.