Although he ha less hair than I remember him having....it is still my friend "Butch" I shared space in his family home in 1962/63 and he actually loaned me the money for my first car. I regret to say that he was much too generous. I am sorry to have missed him in his later years. A friend who will not be forgotten .



Memories of Ralph Thornton, Jr.


I have only known Ralph Jr. for a fairly short time, and the most vivid memories were those in the last 2-3 years, all in Dallas.

I found him lively, intelligent, quick on the uptake of any new conversational subject, easy to talk with, and highly articulate.  His range of interests was formidable, so our conversations were inevitably enjoyable and stimulating, like being with an old friend; I will sure miss those conversations.  

He was also very kind: He went out of his way to make me feel welcome in the midst of his large family, which I appreciated, given that I live in Austin with my wife Patty – Ralph’s cousin.  Although the greater family was invariably friendly, Ralph sensed that I hadn’t had the chance to form close friendships by “living in the neighborhood”, so he reached out to me to compensate as best possible.

Given his ever-expanding range of interests and his ability to integrate disparate information, we always had much to discuss.  It seemed to me that as his health declined, his mental scope enlarged: A great example and inspiration for me.

We are not given to know the day and hour when our stay on this earth will be over, neither any individual human nor humankind itself can know this.  Ralph’s gift to Life was to live his life more and more fully, even as his challenges increased.  As a result, his example can help each of us who were lucky enough to know him, also make our last chapter a good one.

I already miss his presence.

-Bob Murray


       Ralph , 6 mos older, and I lived together as babies during and after WWII.  Then we lived nearby celebrating all holidays, birthdays, sharing babysitters and playtime.  Honoring the family legacy, this tradition was warmed by all last Thanksgiving at Peggy and Keiths. 

     One morning when I, about 5, dropped over. I was shocked.  Ralph and Aunt Alice lay  spread out on the floor; they were  just reading Huck Finn. 

     Ralph’s perspective on our Human Work: make our Earth a better place for all to live in dignity. 



I am the youngest of all the siblings and cousins. Ralph was the oldest. I can remember family gatherings where he always seemed so smart and a little distant, but when we were together he was always kind and a patient teacher. May be because of the great separation in age and I don't know how he was with his brothers, but with me,  I will always remember Ralph's kindness and patience. 

Ralph worked with us during the early days of our company (Lone Star Analysis/Incucomm). He was unflappable despite the travails of startups. 

He was able to impose order (at least some order) on chaos with systems, good humor and common sense. Years later, we still use some of his spreadsheets. 

His character was outstanding. He was kind to those who didn't understand complexities. He only expressed frustration to those who could and should do better. His honesty was far beyond reproach. Those of us who were also Texas Instruments alumni as he was, appreciated the service he did for the company in dealing with ethical lapses overseas. 

He like to have fun. His laugh was contagious and his sense of humor wry. 

Ralph, I will miss your good cooking, but will treasure your family recipes.  I will miss lovingly referring to you as “hubba hubba”, but will remember the laughter,  I will miss the card games and dominoes, but will remember the friendship. I will miss the Netflix Flicks, but will remember the hospitality and companionship of you and Judith.  I will remember your support in tough times, and I will be there to support Judith in her time of sorrow and in her health struggles. You were (and are) loved and will be remembered.



OBITUARY

Ralph J. Thornton

1 June, 1943 – 27 December, 2019

Ted Dickey West Funeral Home

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