Ralph C. Eckstein

Ralph Carl Eckstein
NaBin AbDullalah MuBin

December 14, 1950- December 27, 2020

Ralph Carl Eckstein (NaBin AbDullalah MuBin) was born on December 14, 1950, to the late Lila Harris and Enerest Banks in Cleveland, OH. At a young age he accepted Christ. Ralph later converted to Islam and became a devout member of the Masjid Al Haqq of East Cleveland, Ohio. Ralph attended Cleveland Metropolitan schools. He served in the United States Armed Services during the Vietnam War. During his time in the military, he received awards and accommodations for marksmanship, and strategic planning.

Ralph later attended Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) and pursued a Liberal Arts degree. While at Tri-C he developed a passion for the martial arts. Ralph earned his black belt in Isshin-ryu and began to teach martial arts classes at the college. He later opened his own dojo “The Rising Sun.” Ralph continued to learn, study and teach other martial disciplines (Ju-Jitsu, Judo, karate, etc...) He ultimately became a seventh degree black belt mastering several martial arts’ disciplines.

Ralph later became certified with the state of Ohio as a third class Stationary Engineer and a second class Power Engineer. He used his certifications for several years as part of the Maintenance Engineering Department at Cleveland State University. Ralph had a strong desire to be an entrepreneur and to be on the open road. This desire led him to pursue his Commercial Driving License (CDL) and become an independent owner operator. He drove all over the United States and Mexico delivering precious cargo for over 20 years. After retiring he mentored new drivers in the transportation profession.
Ralph married Joyce (DeShazo) March 10, 1974 until his departure December 27, 2020. From this union was born one daughter Bahjah.

In his free time Ralph loved to ride motorcycles his favorite was the Kawasaki 1500 and on summer evenings he could be found cruising the Cleveland streets. He also enjoyed all types of music, especially the Blues. In his later years he acquired two new hobbies which brought him great joy swimming and playing the Djembe drum. He visited the YMCA daily to swim and earned his lifeguard certification. He also had many jam sessions in the living room with his drum.

Ralph was preceded in death by, Lila (mother), Enerest (father) and Theresa (sister). He is survived by Joyce (wife), Bahjah (daughter) and a host of aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

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