Ralph Edward Burns entered the world on June 4, 1957. He was the eldest of three children born to Gertrude Anderson Burns and David Edward Burns. Ralph's earthly life concluded on February 25, 2023 at the age of 65 years.

As a youngster, Ralph was baptized and spiritually nurtured at Second Canaan Baptist Church in New York City where he was a member of the Youth Choir, and served as a Junior Deacon in the Youth Church.

Ralph received his education within the New York City public school system from elementary through high school. Ralph was an inquisitive and active youth who spent his spare time on the basketball court with his friends. He loved sports and played Jr. Varsity on his high school football team – The Richman Rams.

Ralph discovered an interest for music early in life. He played the violin in both his elementary and junior high school orchestras and was a self-taught bass guitarist. In high school, Ralph diligently attended weekly training sessions at a midtown Manhattan studio in an effort to learn the intricacies of becoming a disc jockey. It was there that he became knowledgeable of the business aspect of owning and operating a radio station, which ignited his passion and solidified his plans in becoming a part of the music industry.

After graduating from Julia Richman High School, Ralph enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was stationed at Camp Lejeune (North Carolina), Camp Pendleton (California) and Camp Hansen (Okinawa, Japan) where he valiantly served his country. Upon returning from his tour in the military, Ralph matriculated at Hunter College as a Communications major. There he quickly obtained a regular on-air segment at the campus radio station; returning to his love for music. Ralph soon discovered that there was an undeniable spark ignited within himself while deejaying. Rather than merely queuing song selections, he strived to invoke a feeling of joy and nostalgia to his listening audience. Ralph would later meet and unite with a group of friends who previously formed P&M Productions. Together, they hosted parties and social events around New York City. It was during this period his moniker "King Kool" was birthed, deriving from his cool, laid-back personality and style.

Ralph was ever-evolving and a true creative who craved change. After desiring a fresh start a few years later, Ralph would decide to relocate to Wilmington, NC where he was employed in positions across a broad spectrum of professions including a repossessions agent, a counselor to teenagers at a group home and, in his last profession, a fiber optics manufacturing technician at Corning. Ralph was socially conscious and charitable to his community, so he followed in his father's footsteps and became a fellow Mason of Progressive Lodge # 830 F&AM PHA.

In between this period of his life, Ralph connected with WWIL 1490 (a Wilmington-based AM radio station) and joined their early morning R&B syndication where he perfected his radio host skills. Emerging from this connection was Ralph's opportunity to attend the annual Jack The Rapper music convention for several years. This allowed him to network with his peers in the radio industry and rub elbows amongst some of the greatest artists of his generation.

Before retirement, Ralph was inspired to create *Sparkle*, an entertainment newsletter which highlighted the multidimensional history of artists and their songs. This was true art for Ralph! He was fervent in his planning and made connections with some of the music industry's most renowned entertainers. Unfortunately, the fruition of this aspiration was placed on hold as Ralph shifted his attention to managing a decline in his health. He would use the love of music to assist in his recovery as he courageously fought through some of his toughest medical challenges. Ralph would ultimately gain his eternal crown of victory after triumphantly persevering through the better half of 10 years of life-altering health battles.

Ralph was preceded in death by his father, David Edward Burns; both sets of maternal and paternal grandparents; as well as an abundance of other relatives. Left to revel in the admiration of his life is his mother, Gertrude Anderson Burns; his two sisters, Carolyn Burns and Louise Burns; his niece, Selina Michelle Harley; and a multitude of family, loved ones and dear friends. Ralph's evolution is a true testament of victory through valor, and he will remain an inspiration to us for the bold life he has lived.