Ralph Irving Piper

Ralph I. Piper age 82 of Breedsville Ralph passed away on July 8, 2024, at Ascension Borgess-Pipp Hospital with his family by his side. Ralph was born on March 16, 1942, in Bangor, Michigan, the son of Donald and Dorothy Piper. He has lived in the Bangor area all of his life and graduated from Bangor High School, where his picture still hangs as alumni. After high school, he entered the United States Army, serving his country for two years. He was a medic, transitioned to be a mechanic, and then was chosen to be a general’s driver during his time in the Army. After his return from the service, he came home to work on his family farm, Piper Brothers Farms. He then moved with his family to Breedsville, where he started his own wrecker and automobile repair service, Piper Automotive. In 2011, he officially retired and gained the privilege of choosing what vehicles he worked on. If he had to drive a vehicle, it had to be a Pontiac; the model didn’t matter, thus gaining his nickname, “Mr. Pontiac.” Besides being a veteran, he also served as a fireman for 26 years with the Bangor Fire Department. In his free time, he worked and raced at the US 131 Martin Dragway along with his wife, NanCe, who he married on March 1st, 1980. His biggest enjoyment came when he was able to help his family whenever they needed him. Surviving him is his wife, NanCe; his children, Leeann L. (John) Rounds of Lawton, Steve (Jennifer) Piper of Breedsville; Keith (Anyssa) of Breedsville; and son by osmosis, Curt Minton; his grandchildren, Bessie Jane, and Roger; a brother, Ernest; along with many nieces, nephews and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, a grandson, Travis Rounds, and a sister-in-law M. Sue Piper. The family will receive friends on Monday, July 15, from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM at the Bangor Chapel, D.L. Miller Funeral Home. The funeral service will be on Tuesday, July 16th, at 2 PM, at the Bangor High School, Pastor Dan Stout officiating. Burial will immediately follow the service at Breedsville Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital, https://www.stjude.org or the American Red Cross, https://www.redcross.org.

Ralph Irving Piper

March 16, 1942 - July 8, 2024