STATESVILLE - James Ralph Ihrie, 70, of Statesville, formerly of Louisburg, died Thursday night.

Ralph was born in Wake County, a son of the late John H. Ihrie, III and Sarah O. Ihrie.

Ralph grew up on his family's dairy farm in Louisburg, which in his later life he returned to. He graduated from Louisburg High School in 1964, then went on to Louisburg College, graduating in 1966, and went on to East Carolina University, graduating Cum Laude in 1969 with a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts. His artwork has been shown in Paris, New York and throughout North Carolina.

A memorial service will be held 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 15, 2018, in the chapel of Strickland Funeral Home. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. A memorial service will be held 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 16, 2018, at Providence U.M.C. in Statesville with inurnment in the church columbarium.

Ralph is survived by his sisters and brother-in-law, Jane I. and Ron Hayes of Canon, GA; Edith I. Hillard of Castalia; brothers and sisters-in-law, William and Marlene Ihrie of Statesville; Mike and Elaine Ihrie of Louisburg; many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Epilepsy Foundation, Attn: Donor Services, 8301 Professional Place East, Suite 200, Landover, MD 20785.

Arrangements are by Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, Louisburg, www.stricklandfuneralhome.net.

Paid Obituary