Ralph Roges Thomas Sr.

Ralph Roges Thomas, Sr. was born on October 12, 1935, in Ashland, GA, to Claude Thomas and Essie
L. Mayfield. He was the third child of this union. He grew up in Louisville, KY, where he attended
Virginia Avenue Elementary School, Madison Jr. High School, and Central High School. As a youth,
Ralph was affectionately known as “Pinky”. Ralph was hard-working, resourceful, and always
found ways to earn money. Mowing the lawn of Cassius Clay’s parents and working odd jobs at the
Churchill Downs racetrack are some examples. He enjoyed fishing and other outdoor activities.
Although the minimum enlistment age was seventeen, Ralph left home at just sixteen to join the
U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War.
Ralph dedicated 30 years of his life to serving his country in the United States Marine Corps. He
served with distinction in numerous combat and administrative positions. His bravery earned him
numerous accolades, including the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal,
and Marine Corps Expedition Medal. He achieved the rank of Sergeant Major and was a candidate for
the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps.
On September 8, 1980, Ralph married Ethel Gazelle Hampton, with whom he built a blended family
that included her sons and his biological sons from his previous marriage. They resided in Eden, NC,
and were married for 39 years. ARer retirement, Ralph worked several years as a supervisor at
Gilbarco and Allen- Bradley before relocating to El Paso, TX. He enjoyed sports and would attend
his son’s games when his schedule allowed.
Ralph married his former wife, Marie Ella Davis, on July 23, 1955. Through this twenty-four-year union,
they were blessed with nine sons. Moving often as a military family had a lasting impact on the boys,
shaping them for the better part of their lives and instilling strength, resilience, adaptability, and a deep
appreciation for new experiences.
Ralph had a great sense of humor and loved telling jokes and stories. Many of his stories were of his
military experiences. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and loved his daughters-in-
law as if they were the daughters he never had. Ralph often shared how proud he was of his children
and the families they built. His pride in being a Marine never faded; it was a part of who he was and what
he represented throughout his life, especially in his everyday attire.
Ralph celebrated his 90th birthday on October 12th, attended by family and friends from near and far in
Las Vegas, NV. He enjoyed a beautiful day of love, laughter, and storytelling. God called him home
on October 29,

Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, Ethel Gazelle (Hampton) Thomas; his first wife, Marie Ella
(Davis) Thomas; his parents, Claude and Essie M. (Mayfield) Thomas; his siblings, Otha, Desiree,
Addie, Marvin, James, and William Thomas; and his children, Ralph Thomas, Jr., and Robert
Thomas.
Ralph is survived by his siblings, Joseph and Lela Thomas; his sons, Samuel, Michael (Alice), Brian
(Rita), Kevin (Laura), Joseph (Verna), James (Eniko), and William (Linda) Thomas; his step-sons,
Fred and Toby Mills; his nephew (who was like a son) Gerald (Debbie) Thomas; eighteen
grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nephews,
nieces, family, friends and loved ones.

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