There is an appointment time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven - Ecclesiastes 3:1

“A Time to be Born” – Pastor Ralph Thomas was born on August 19, 1949, to the late Willie Paul Thomas and Vesta Kate Smith-Thomas in Atlanta, Georgia.

“A Time to Plant”- Pastor Thomas received his education in the Dekalb County School System where he graduated from Bruce Street High School, Lithonia, Georgia in 1967. In 1968 he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served until 1970. During that time, he served a tour in Vietnam and received an Honorable Discharge with a National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal with sixty Device and an Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters.

Pastor Thomas became a member of the Fairfield Baptist Church at an early age, under the leadership of Pastor C. L. Nall and continue with the church under the leadership of Pastor Michael Benton. Sometime later, he gave his life to the Lord and served faithfully in the Fairfield Baptist Church. After being called into the Gospel Ministry, he was Licensed in July of 1985, and Ordained in March of 1987 by Pastor Michael Benton. Pastor Thomas went on to start and lead The Temple of Truth Ministries in Jonesboro Georgia. During that time, he also attended the MWE School of Ministry. Several years later, after the dissolution of Temple of Truth, Pastor Thomas served under Pastor Arthur Powell and the Travelers Rest Baptist Church of Jonesboro, GA before placing himself under the leadership of Pastor Michael Price and the Shoal Creek Baptist Church of Locust Grove, GA. Pastor Thomas served faithfully until his health began to decline.

Pastor Thomas was preceded in death by his sister, Gladys. He leaves behind three adult children, Peinese, Torrianno (Nirel) and Antwan. God also blessed him with ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. In addition, he leaves behind two sisters, Virginia and Marilyn, two brothers, Joe Paul and Milton, one sister-in-law, Zelda Thomas, one brother-in-law, Dr. Michael Woods, one uncle, Deacon Billy Smith and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

“A Time to Die” - Pastor Thomas stepped on God’s Celestial Elevator and punched the button to heaven on Thursday, March 20, 2025.