|
Courtesy Stancil Reunion Archive |
|
Ralph Viron Renfrow, son of the late James Robert and Effie Stancil Renfrow, was born on June 23, 1930, in Kenly, Johnston County, North Carolina.
Viron spent his early years farming right alongside his father in Kenly. At a young age he developed polio, causing some minor problems with the use of his legs.
After graduating from Glendale High School in 1948, Viron initially pursued farming until the age of 21.
Seeking new opportunities, he left his farmlife behind for Newport News, Virginia, and the shipyards. There was always plenty of work and the pay was good. He worked as a crane operator for the Newport News Shipbuilding Company for more than 30 years until his retirement in 1980.
|
Viron sent money home to his mother. He helped his parents buy a car. Viron stayed in Virginia until his health failed.
In November of 1988, Viron was put in the hospital. Grace went down to be with him. He was in the hospital for two weeks.
Viron had been a heavy smoker over the years and developed lung cancer. He lived with his brother Bobby the last few years. He knew he was dying and asked that he be cremated and his ashes scattered in the Bone Yard at the George Ira Stancil Farm. He had played there as a child.
The Bone Yard was by the steep bank of the pond near a cave. This was the same cave John Thomas Stancil hid inside during the times he was AWOL from the Confederate Army.
He passed away at the age of 71 on June 30, 2001, in Raleigh, North Carolina.
His final wish was honored as Jim and Bill Batts accompanied Bobby to visit Aunt Myrtle before scattering his ashes at the cherished childhood spot.
Viron was a brother to James Robert Renfrow Jr.; Grace Dettenmayer and her husband George; and the late Eva Gray Renfrow, who passed away in 1929. He was cremated in Raleigh, leaving behind memories of a hardworking man with deep roots in his family and the land.