Ralph Andrew Woollaston
1951 - 2025
Ralph Andrew Woollaston, age 74, of Lewisville, NC passed away peacefully on June 26, 2025, at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home, Winston-Salem, NC, following a lengthy struggle with esophageal cancer and subsequent surgical complications. He was born January 4, 1951, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Ronald E. Woollaston and Ena Whybourne Woollaston.
Ralph was raised throughout the United States, including Utah, Colorado, and New Jersey, often travelling to his parents’ birthplace, England, for lengthy stays. He was a 1970 graduate of Ramsey High School in Ramsey, NJ.
He eventually settled in Wilmington, NC, where he met his wife, Courtney Ann Graham, passing just 3 days before their 29th wedding anniversary. Ralph was a skilled craftsman working as a construction foreman on numerous films and television shows from 1983-2016, which included “The Crow,” “Kiss the Girls,” “Super Mario Brothers,” and “Homeland.” Those who worked with him frequently praised his leadership, talent, sense of humor, and creativity. He operated a contracting business for decades and was responsible for creating and constructing numerous residential and commercial spaces throughout the Wilmington area.
Ralph’s children, Caitlyn & Brodie, and grandchildren, Miles & Violet, were his pride and joy. He will be remembered for his devotion to his family and his notoriously groan-worthy ‘dad-jokes.’
Ralph was an avid sports fan who cheered tirelessly for the New York Giants and New York Yankees. He found great joy in sharing his love of baseball and football with his family, watching professional and college games with his son, supporting both children in their sporting endeavors, and coaching his nephew’s Little League and daughter’s softball teams. Ralph also shared his passion for music and classic rock with his family. The house was rarely quiet when he was home, and he could often be found strumming one of his beloved guitars alongside a CD from his extensive collection or privately writing his own songs. Ralph had a deep love for animals, especially those in need of a home, and adopted many dogs and cats from the Humane Society and shelters over the years.
He was predeceased by his parents Ronald & Ena Woollaston, his stepfather, Richard Evans, and his brother, Trevor Woollaston. Ralph was survived for only 4 days by his wife, Courtney Ann Graham. He will be lovingly remembered by his children; Caitlyn Lloyd (Aaron) of Lewisville, NC, and Brodie Woollaston (Heather Hornaday) of Raleigh, NC; grandchildren, Miles and Violet Lloyd; and sister Cheryl Schlatter (Jeffery), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. He will also be deeply missed by his family’s many cats and dogs.
A Celebration of Life will be held for both Courtney & Ralph on November 16, 2025, at the Halyburton Nature Center in Wilmington, NC starting at 11:30 am. Additional details to follow.
Memorial Donations may be made to:
New Hanover Humane Society – www.newhanoverhumanesociety.org