WILMINGTON — Ralph Roger Lauter passed away on February 1, 2026, surrounded by love. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his father, Burl Bartram Lauter of Ironton, Ohio; his mother, Betty Frances Lauter (née Weik), born in Huntington, West Virginia; and his sister, Kay Lauter.
Roger was a longtime and proud member of the Cape Fear Optimist Club of Wilmington. He was also the owner and mechanic of Lauter’s Machine Shop, located on Wrightsville Avenue in Wilmington, where he worked faithfully for 40 years. Through his work, dedication, and craftsmanship, he earned the respect and friendship of many in the community.
Roger was a wonderful husband and a devoted dad, whose love for his family was evident in everything he did. He will be loved always and remembered for his hard work, generosity, and steady presence.
He is survived by his loving wife, Valerie Lauter; his brother, Michael Lauter, and sister-in-law, Nina Lauter; his sons, Ralph Roger Lauter, Jr., and his wife, Robin Lauter, and Nicolas Eugene Smyers, and his wife Christina Smyers; and his daughter, Trisha Smyers Watson.
He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Kaden Smyers, Tinsley Smyers, Kennedy Haney, Ava Watson, Kenny Lauter, Keaton Lauter, and Evelyn Lauter, who brought him immense pride and joy.
In lieu of flowers, Roger requested that donations be made in his memory to the Cape Fear Optimist Club (3222 N. Kerr Avenue, Wilmington, NC 28405), a non-profit organization close to his heart.
Roger’s legacy lives on through the family he loved, the work he was proud of, and the many lives he touched.
