Vietnam Veteran, Anti-War Activist, Peace Balladeer, Ralph Baldwin, Dies
Ralph Alexander Baldwin of 331 Gibbs Lake Road, Reidsville NC, Vietnam Veteran, anti-war activist, singer, songwriter, author, actor, peace balladeer, and a friend of many, passed away Sunday afternoon March 5, 2006 at his home attended by his family. Ralph was diagnosed with GlioBlastoma Multiforme in late December. When he was told that this fast growing brain tumor (caused by exposure to agent Orange and Napalm) has no known sugical or chemical remedy, he decided to spend his remaining days with his family, friends and loved ones in the comfort and beauty of his cabin at the Pond (Gibbs Lake.)
Ralph Baldwin: a Community Obituary
[Anyone who knows Ralph visit the link above, imbedded in title, to Help Build the Community Obituary, Thanks!JS]
Ralph was born February 5, 1948 in Charlotte NC to Harold T. and Ebbie Stephens Baldwin. Ralph was educated in Mecklenburg public schools and following graduation from West Mecklenburg High School in 1966, he attended East Carolina University and CPCC.
In April 1968, Ralph was drafted into the Armed Forces of the United States and served as a Communications, Reconnaissance Operations and Intelligence specialist. He was deployed to Vietnam in January 1970 until his discharge on November 17, 1970 with the rank of Sgt. E-5. Upon his discharge, Ralph joined The Flintkote Company as a sales representative. Later he owned and operated Baldwin Real Estate Company in Belmont NC. In 1976 Ralph joined Martin Marietta as a Sales and Tech Representative for next seven years. In 1983 he was hired as Executive Vice-President by Smith-Midland Corporation and later worked as Project Manager for REA Construction of NC. In 1990, Ralph established Baldwin Home Inspections Company and worked in the Inspections field until incapacitated by the GBM. Ralph was a licensed Real Estate Broker since 1973, a certified Concrete Technologist since 1976, and a Licensed Home Inspector since 1995.
Ralph married his childhood sweetheart Mary Ann in 1972* and raised two sons Brian and Benjamin with her until their divorce in 1990*.
Ralph attended the Unity Church and was a participant in Landmark Education since 1995. A believer in self-improvement, Ralph also participated in Universal Spirit Unlimited, and in the Whole Life series.
Ralph Baldwin had many varied interests and he excelled in most of them: Music, songwriting, guitar, vocals, stage and theatre, poetry, cooking, nature art, painting, sculpting and drawing. In 2005 he produced a CD as a showpiece of some of the mucis he wrote and performed. He was also a profuse writer of philosophy and theology. Some of his writings were published in 2000 under the title “Verses of Vices and Virtues and Vice-Versa.” At the time he was stricken by the tumor, Ralph was performing as an actor at the Barn Dinner Theatre production of “Band of Angels” playing Johnny Cash.
A member of both Vietnam Veterans Against War and Veterans for Peace, Ralph Baldwin has been a dedicated peace activist, especially since the 90’s, leading, motivating and empowering with his music and prose, many, old and young, to speak out against war and violence and choose a path of peace, love and service to the mankind.
During his brief period of final days Ralph was attended by his special friend Sherry Amber Marlow, his former wife Mary Ann, his sons Brian and Benjamin (both of Bloving Rock NC) and many friends from his deep connections to the peace, music, art, and spirituality circles. Special thanks also go to Hospice Nurse Ms. Anna Wingate, RN.
For many friends and family, one of the lasting memories will be the tears he shed when he recognized his friends performing and participating in one of the concerts given in his honor.
In additiond to those already mentioned, Ralph leaves behind two brothers, Mr. Stephen Baldwin and wife Connie of Charlotte and Mr. Alan Baldwin and wife Heather of Burlington, and his beloved aunt Gracie of Burlington.
He will be remembered and sorely missed by his family and many friends.
A family memorial service will be held at Rich and Thompson Funeral and Cremation Service in Graham N.C. 10 a.m. on Saturday March 11, 2006. A later memorial service by his friends in Greensboro is in final stages of planning.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Rockingham County, P.O. Box 281, Wentworth, NC 27375 or to Greensboro Peace Coalition, c/o Beloved Community Center, Arlington St, Greensboro NC 27401
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