Ralph Monroe Borne

Ralph Monroe Borne of Raleigh, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on at Transitions Life Hospice, surrounded by his family & loved ones. Ralph was born in Danville, VA, to Charles Wilbur Borne & Nonie O'Dell Hopkins Borne as an only child. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Monroe Hopkins & Jeanette Hopkins. Ralph's middle name, Monroe, passed down from his beloved grandfather. His grandmother's name, Jeanette, continued through the family, first being passed to his cousin and eventually to his daughter, a beautiful continuation of family legacy. Growing up as an "Air Force Brat," Ralph had the opportunity to travel & see the world as his father was stationed in various places creating a childhood filled with adventure. Some of his fondest memories were made alongside his cousin Ronnie. The 2 were inseparable, well known throughout their town, where they seemed to know every street, and block. Together, they lived a free-spirited & adventurous childhood, creating memories that would remain with them for a lifetime. Ralph was also lovingly cared for by his Aunt Peggy & Uncle Lemuel, who played an important role in his upbringing & whom he loved & regarded as second parents. As well as his Uncle Johnie who played a huge role in molding him to be the man, he was through life. As soon as he was able, Ralph entered the Army, beginning a journey that would become one of the defining chapters of his life. While serving, he earned his GED & obtained both his Marksman Badge & Paratrooper Badge. Among his proudest accomplishments was becoming a member of the 173rd Airborne Brigade & the 82nd Airborne Division. He carried that accomplishment with tremendous pride, often declaring: "AIRBORNE ALL THE WAY!" His military service included serving in Vietnam, an experience that became an important part of the man he would become, as well. When Ralph returned home from Vietnam, he met the woman who would become the love of his life, Patricia Leigh Daniel. The two were married on July 20, 1968, beginning with a partnership & love story that would span decades. Together, they welcomed their son, Lemuel Keith Borne, followed by two daughters, Victoria Lynn Meeks & Jeannette Rose Borne. Ralph was a man of layers. At first glance, his stoic nature could make him seem intimidating—and, though he had a mean streak, those who truly knew him knew there was a softy under that tough exterior. He didn't earn the nickname "Pooh Bear" for no reason. He was a man with a big heart, a sharp wit, & a love for his family that ran deep. He was known for his legendary dad jokes, his love of the gym, his passion for powerlifting, and working out. He loved music, beach music festivals with his wife & family, NASCAR, comedy, dogs, & die-cast cars. He had an insatiable curiosity and loved learning something new every day. His daughter Jeannette affectionately called him "The Endless Pit of Random Knowledge" because there was seemingly no subject; he couldn't tell you something about. Ralph also had a deep passion for helping others, particularly individuals with special needs, the elderly and terminally ill kids. He proudly supported his wife, Patricia, in her annual fundraising efforts for the Children's Miracle Network, giving his time & energy a cause that meant so much. As well as Patricia & he would attend the annual Cabin Fever event raising money for hospice. As a father, Ralph allowed his children to become who they were meant to be, while instilling a few lessons he believed in; always help when someone is in need, always look sharp when you leave the house, always take pride in your accomplishments, & always put family 1st, even when you feel you can’t. Those lessons, along with humor, strength, stubbornness, knowledge, & love, became part of the legacy he left with everyone. Ralph was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia Daniel Borne, & his grandson, James Wesley Meeks. He leaves behind a family who loved him deeply: his children, Lemuel Keith Borne, Victoria Lynn Meeks, & Jeannette Rose Borne; his unofficially adopted children, Stephanie, Daniela, & Harriett; & his cousin Jay, who was far more than a cousin & was loved as a nephew. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Tyree, Mya , & Christian McKinnie, & his great-grandchildren, Bradyn Panera & Jaiden Meeks, along with countless loved ones whose lives he touched. Ralph lived a life filled with adventure, service, love, laughter, knowledge, & family. He was a soldier, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, cousin, friend, &, to many, a 2nd father. He was strong-willed, endlessly curious, occasionally cantankerous, & deeply loving in his own unmistakable way. His memory will live on in the stories his family tells, the lessons he taught, the laughter he created, knowledge he shared, and the love he gave. Though deeply missed, we find solace in knowing that he is reunited with his loving wife and grandson.