Roll Call Tribute

Ralph V. Thompson 

January 1, 1941 - February 5, 2025 

Ralph V. Thompson, affectionately known as Papa, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2025, at the age of 84, in The Woodlands, Texas. He was born on January 1, 1941, in Trinity Texas, to Ralph and Louise Gates. He grew up in Trinity, Weldon and Beaumont. He was a proud graduate of South Park High School.

He was a member of the Corp of Cadets Company G-2 and the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of ‘63. After receiving his Master’s degree from the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, Ralph continued his calling and entered Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas where he received a Doctorate in Theology. While at A&M, Ralph met the love of his life, Brenda Ferol (Wilkins)Thompson, at a Baptist Student Union event. Ralph and Brenda married on December 21, 1962, and later adopted two children, Timothy William Thompson and Amy Thompson Procter. Ralph and Brenda enjoyed almost 59 years of marriage until her passing in 2021.

Ralph’s dedication to the Lord led him to many cities and churches. He ministered in Abilene, Fort Worth, Sydney and Odessa before settling in Beaumont where he pastored Amelia Baptist Church for over 25 years before retiring. Ralph thought he would slow down and play more golf, which he dearly loved. But he felt the call once again, to pastor a smaller community at Meeker Baptist Church. He pastored there for over 10 years. Ralph loved spreading the gospel and leading others to Christ.

Another passion of his included cars and golf. Ralph would talk about cars to anyone who would listen and enjoy sharing his spiral notebook full of his personal car photos and handwritten details of each one. At an early age, Ralph began playing golf. He was the captain of his high school golf team and continued his love of the game for many years. He became a fixture at many of the Golf courses throughout Southeast Texas. He never met a stranger and would minister to anyone, even on the golf course.

Ralph was a dedicated father, grandfather and friend. He made a point to attend as many events as possible for his children and four grandchildren. He was the biggest and loudest cheerleader at any sporting event. He always made sure to let his loved ones know how well they had done; whether playing a sport, singing, playing in the band or dancing in a recital. Ralph loved his friends and strived to be a good friend to all. He would drive many miles to maintain these friendships over the years. He loved sitting around a table with a cup of coffee and reminiscing of old times.

Ralph was preceded in death by his birth parents, adoptive parents Ruby Lee Gates Thompson and William H. Thompson, wife Brenda Thompson and brother Nick Gates. He is survived by his children, Timothy William Thompson and Amy Lyn Thompson Procter and husband Jay Procter as well as four grandchildren, Reagan Williams, Taylor Thompson, Anna Claire Procter and Will Thompson.