Ralph Bailey's Obituary
Memorial services for Ralph Rudolph Bailey, 100, of Longview will be held on Thursday, November 30 at 1 pm at Mobberly Baptist Church Worship Center. Rev. Greg Martin and Dr. Gregg Zackary will officiate. Visitation will follow the service in the foyer of the church. A private, family burial will be held the same day prior to the service at Grace Hill Cemetery in Longview. He passed away on November 22, 2023.
Ralph was born on October 22, 1923 in Panola County to Joe and Maggie Bailey. He attended schools in Gary, Texas and graduated in 1941 and moved with his family to Longview the same year. He was the oldest of 5 children. Later, he went to Houston to work in the shipyards, but in 1943 joined the US Army to serve during World War II. He served in the 96th infantry division in the Pacific theater. Returning home from the war he married his sweetheart Melba Jo George in June 1947. Later, they added to their family four children, David, Debbie, Brenda and Chris.
He graduated from BMI School of Business and went directly to work in the plumbing wholesale business with International Supply for the next 51 years.
The greatest love of his life was for his Savior, Jesus Christ. He devoted himself to being a godly husband, father and friend to many. He set the example of Christ-like love, kindness, generosity, humbleness and integrity. He joined Mobberly Baptist Church in 1943 where he was saved 2 years before. His love for the local church never faltered. He served faithfully all the days of his long life. He was a deacon, presided over 4 building campaigns, served on pastor search committees, finance and personnel committees, and served as the church treasurer for 47 years.
Ralph was a lover of sports from an early age. He played basketball, ran track, and played baseball during his days in Gary. He enjoyed the time he spent in the service playing baseball with many of those who went on to play professionally. He continued to play softball into his late 50’s in the church leagues in Longview. He could run the bases faster than others much younger than himself.
Ralph’s love of Lobo football was a serious passion of his. He was dedicated to supporting his team by purchasing season tickets every year for 74 years and attended regularly. His last home game to attend was October 13 of this year. Recognized for his loyalty, he was nicknamed “Mr. Lobo”.
Those left to treasure his life and legacy are David and Shirley Bailey, Debbie and Jack Goetz, Brenda and Brandon Johnson and Chris and Joni Bailey, 12 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. His surviving siblings are Ruth Coleman, Willie Nell Thompson, and Jimmy Bailey. He was preceded in death by his sweet wife of 70 years, Melba and his brother, JM Bailey.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to one or more of the following: Mobberly Baptist Church, “Oasis Project” at www.mobberly.org/give, Texas Wounded Warrior Foundation at “Texas Wounded Warrior”, PO Box 130727, Tyler, TX 75713 or to the Longview Athletic Dept.
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