Ralph Congdon

Ralph Congdon, born April 24, 1942, ended the first phase of eternal life on earth one day before his 83rd birthday. He was the first child of Dr. Edgar Dana Congdon and Ruth Lawall of New York. He gained renown as a violin virtuoso trained under Raphael Bronstein and playing violin in several orchestras, including the New Orleans Philharmonic, Asheville Symphony, and Greenville Symphony. He was also the Concertmaster for the Hendersonville Symphony for many, many years.

But of most glorious note was his salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ in September 1964, which led to two wonderful earthly blessings: his marriage to Barbara McDaniel, the love of his life, and a long career as a school teacher in Henderson County, North Carolina.

At his funeral, we heard many wonderful testimonies of those Ralph and Barbara had blessed and influenced during their teaching years and Ralph’s music career.

Along with his brother Dana’s family and Nephew Eric’s family, his ashes were spread over the same lake he poured out his late wife’s remains 25 years before as he played “How Great Thou Art.” Look for him in heaven’s symphony playing 1st harp! The family kindly asks that donations be made in his name to the Hendersonville Symphony. Shuler Funeral Home has the honor of serving the family.