“His Life; His Legacy”

Ralph Edward Collette, 74, of Morganton, North Carolina, passed away on March 31, 2026, in Asheville, North Carolina. Born October 30, 1951, in Burke County, he was the son of the late Adam and Mary Lee Kanipe Collette in Morganton, North Carolina. Ralph departed this life on Tuesday March 31, 2026. He was preceded in death by his father, Adam Nathaniel Collette; mother, Mary Lee Kanipe Collette and his sister, Patricia Ann Collette.

Ralph grew up in Morganton and graduated from Oakhill High School in 1970. A standout athlete, he excelled in track and baseball, but football became his professional pursuit. Even as a student leader—serving as Vice President of his class and President of the Monogram Club—Ralph’s steady character and competitive spirit marked him as someone who inspired others to do their best. He pursued higher education at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina earning a degree in Education in 1974. Ralph began his teaching career at McDowell High School in Marion, NC and later returned to Charlotte to work at North Mecklenburg High School, working at the alternative school where he dedicated himself to at-risk youth. Known for his clear, calm voice and natural ability to connect, he helped students find direction when they needed it most. Ralph received a call to return to North Mecklenburg High School as a teacher, where he served as a coach and supervised the ISS (in-school suspension) class. Throughout Collette’s years working with challenging behaviors, he refined his methods of dealing not only with students, but also their parents. After completing his Administration Degree in Charlotte, North Carolina, Ralph returned to Morganton to accept a combined coaching, and administrative position at Freedom High School. As vice principal and coach, he remained a committed mentor—fair but firm—and was respected for his discipline tempered with compassion. He retired from the Burke County School System in 2015 after a lifetime of service to students and families.

Ralph accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior on February 8, 2023. He was known for his love for helping children and anyone who was in need. He would often push others to success and would challenge anyone he could to push them to meet their goals in life. Ralph was a tough and loveable no non-sense man who cared for those in need no matter their age or circumstance. He would also help parents and students get through challenging times in their lives and many times give anonymously. He was loved by many.

Ralph leaves to cherish his memory: his wife: Brenda Brown; two nephews: Rodney and Kelly Mathes; one niece: Leslie Mathes; lifelong friend,:Jim Warlick; two great-nephews; six great-nieces; three great-great-nephews; three great-great-nieces; and a wide circle of relatives and friends.

Ralph will be remembered for his integrity, his gift for communicating with young people and their parents, and the quiet ways he supported his community.

A homegoing celebration honoring the life and legacy of Mr. Ralph Edward Collette will take place Saturday April 11, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at the Corpening Memorial Chapel of McCain Funeral Home & Cremations; interment will follow in the Willow Tree A.M.E. Church. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until 12:55 p.m. prior to the service. Mr. Collette will also lie in repose for public viewing on Friday April 10, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. 

The service will be live-streamed on the McCain Funeral Home & Cremations Facebook page and YouTube Channel; the links are found below:

McCain Funeral Home & Cremations Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/mccainfuneralhome/

McCain Funeral Home & Cremations YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu4qb7IT7sO-Kc0BRs05J-A