A local man and owner of a local restaurant died after being rushed to the hospital, according to the restaurant’s Facebook page.

Ralph Rudisill, owner of Zippers Restaurant and Lounge on Generals Boulevard in Lincolnton, passed away Monday.

According to Zippers’ Facebook page, Ralph was rushed to Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, and the restaurant was closed. Friends asked for prayers for him and his family.

Monday afternoon, a post on the page stated that Rudisill had died.

“Our hearts very heavy right now. Some very sorrowful and sad news to inform you all with. Ralph has gone home to be with our Lord. We thank you all for the many merciful prayers that you all have spoken today and we ask that you continue to pray for his family, the Zippers family and to all of his loyal customers... friends and loved ones. Ralph had a big heart and loved you all very much!”

The post went on to say, ”Heaven definitely gained another angel today.

The USO of NC, the leading organization responsible for lifting the spirits of troops and their families in North Carolina announced Thursday that Jeff Byers, a center for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League, as their ambassador.

“As a child I remember looking up to soldiers with admiration, thinking of how honorable they were for their service to our country,” said Byers. “I've never lost the appreciation for their sacrifice and am grateful I can finally give back through the USO of NC. It's an honor to be part of such a selfless organization, and serve our troops for all they've given to protect our nation and our freedoms.”

Byers entered the NFL in 2010 and signed with the Carolinas Panthers in 2011.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office law enforcement officers of the year were awarded to a Senior Detention Officer and a patrol deputy.

The second annual “Sergeant John Howell III Deputy Sheriff of the Year” award went to Deputy R. D.