Ralph Thompson

Ralph W. Thompson, beloved father, grandfather and friend to many, passed from this earth to the pearly gates of heaven on August 14, 2016 at the age of 88 in Odessa.

Ralph was born on July 17, 1928 to parents Alva Denton and Edna Lee Thompson, in Eastland, TX. He grew up in a large family with 3 brothers and sisters.
After living during the depression, he started working at an early age and continued his high work ethic through his remaining years. Ralph retired from
Continental General Tire after 30 + years of employment, never missing one day of work or being late one time.

He was a true leader and was loved by all who worked with him. He taught his family the value of a dollar and never lived beyond his means. During his
30 + years with his full time employment, Ralph also worked on the side, owning a watering hole and building a trailer park from the ground up. He also
joined the military at a young age and proudly served his country in the army for several years. Years after Ralph's retirement, he moved to Baird, TX and
bought a small hay farm, where he enjoyed bailing hay, working cattle, raising goats and fixing, building and tinkering with anything he could find. He later
sold the farm and moved back to Odessa and spent his remaining years on the go.

His joys were exercising daily, having lunch with friends, going to dances, working with his beautiful flower gardens, volunteering and plenty of socializing.
Ralph was a very kind, Christian man, who always put the Lord first, reading his scriptures daily and practicing the Lord's will with every breath he took.
He was a very kind man, who always chose to see the good in everyone he met. He could light up a room and put a smile on anyone's face. He knew that
each day was a choice and he chose to spend each day seeing the beauty of life and never dwelling on the things he could not control, but yet putting them
in God's hands and trusting the outcome.

Ralph was a true gentleman, who had the kindest, most gentle disposition, touching many lives and being respected by all who met him. His memory and
the values he practiced, will remain strong in us all. Him and that beautiful smile of his will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Ralph is survived by his son, Martin Thompson (Barbara), daughter Montie A. Bryan, grandchildren, DeAnn Murphy (Kevin), Lisa Taylor (Lloyd), great grandchildren,
Mason Sparks, Tara Murphy and Joss Murphy, brother Arless Thompson (Ellen), his very special lady friend, Joann Smith and a host of nieces, nephews and many friends.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 17, 2016 from 5-7pm at Sunset Funeral Home.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, August 18, 2016 at 1pm at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel, burial will follow.

Pallbearers will be Mason Sparks, Lloyd Taylor, Ernie Ray Smith, Greg Smith, Rick Smith, and Luke Smith.

Soar with the angels Papa; you have now been released of pain!

Arrangements are under the direction of Sunset Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home. To send family condolences please sign the guest registry at www.sunsetodessa.com

Visitation

Sunset Memorial Funeral Home
6801 E. Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762
Wednesday, August 17, 2016
5:00 - 7:00 PM

Service

Sunset Funeral Home Chapel
6801 East Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762
Thursday, August 18, 2016
1:00 PM

Cemetery

Sunset Memorial Gardens
6801 E. Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762