Ralph McSpadden

Ralph Douglas McSpadden went to his eternal home on January 15, 2025, with family members surrounding him. He was born November 19, 1943, in Blooming Grove, Texas to parents, Seth Alonzo McSpadden and Rubene Hiler McSpadden. Ralph grew up on the family farm near Dresden, a place he called his “rock.” He graduated from Blooming Grove High School where he was proud to be a player on their 1961 District Championship team. After high school, Ralph began his lifelong work in retail grocery. His dedicated work ethic distinguished him and prompted his boss, Mr. Chapman (known as “Chap”) to encourage him to continue with the company and go for management. He worked for Safeway until they closed in Texas, then moved on the HEB, Corsicana, where he was in management until his retirement in 2007. He retired to his beloved farm (in the McSpadden family since 1889) to begin a new life - tending cattle while applying his extraordinary aptitude for hard work and long hours to that which he loved most – farm and family. He enjoyed Gunsmoke, John Wayne movies, gospel music and the Dallas Cowboys (except when they played “stupid” or didn’t work hard enough to win). He retired earlier than planned due to the effects of critical lung disease – the thing that ended his life much to soon. He told everyone who would listen, “Do not pick up that first cigarette!” Ralph was preceded in death by his father, Seth McSpadden, his mother, Rubene McSpadden and his brother, Gerald McSpadden. He is survived by his wife, Patsy Eharl Boyd McSpadden, Daughter, Michel Gerberding and husband, Eric Gerberding and his son, Brian McSpadden and wife, Natalie. He leaves behind much-loved grandchildren: Josh Gerberding, Lauren Gerberding, Kristian Gerberding, Jake Gerberding, Reed McSpadden and his fiancé Kay Millraney, Daniella McSpadden McCallum and husband, Galen, Lane McSpadden and one great-grandchild, six-month-old Jack McCallum, his sister-in-law, Billie McSpadden, brother-in-law, Don Boyd and wife, Brenda, Brother-in-law, Charlie Boyd, beloved nieces and nephews and a host of friends and relatives. The family wishes to thank Hand In Hand Hospice for the caring service provided to Ralph and his family in his last days. Visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 19, 2025 with a memory service to follow at 2:00 p.m. in the Griffin-Roughton chapel. Grandchildren will be Pallbearers. Donations to honor Ralph’s memory may be made to the organizations he loved and supported: Tunnel to Towers organization (t2t.org) and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Service can be viewed at the following link: http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/108745

Ralph McSpadden

November 19, 1943 - January 15, 2025