Reverend Ralph Helms Thomas

Born on the 20th of July 1935 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, he was raised in Opp, Alabama. He graduated from Howard College (Now Samford University) and then attended Southeastern Theological Seminary and earned his Doctorate Degree from New Orleans Theological Seminary. Ralph pastored several churches during his ministry. His first Pastorate while at Samford University was at Six Mile Baptist Church. He then became Pastor at the following churches: Camp Hill First Baptist; First Baptist of Shellman, Georgia; First Baptist of Livingston, Alabama; First Baptist of Geneva, Alabama; First Baptist of Childersburg, Alabama; and Munford Baptist Church of Munford, Alabama.

After Reverend Thomas retired, he was on staff at First Methodist in Carrollton, Georgia; Camp Ground Methodist in Tuscaloosa, Alabama; and Big Sandy Methodist in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He then became Pastor for 8 plus years of Mount Hebron Baptist Church in Akron, Alabama.

Ralph touched so many lives during his ministry, as did the mother of his children, Annette Boyd Thomas. Together they ministered in so many ways for 37 years before cancer took her life. Ralph was a devoted and loyal husband, father, grandfather, and best friend. Reverend Thomas married Helen Carter Bentley Thomas on the 3rd of October 2015 and they enjoyed a wonderful, God centered marriage until his death.

He was very well known for his generosity to all he came into contact with, always wanting to help others in keeping a “positive” attitude about life. Ralph and his intense enthusiasm for the Alabama (Roll Tide) Team will forever be missed as well as his loving, sweet smile.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, James Russell Thomas and Vera Belle Helms Thomas; and by his son, Dr. Mark H. Thomas. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Helen Bentley Thomas; by his daughter, Mrs. Jennifer T. Sellers (Chris); by his stepdaughter, Cheryl Bentley Casebere; by his stepson, Kyle Thomas Bentley; by his brother, Dr. Jim Thomas (Beth); and by his grandchildren, Avery Thomas, Andrew Thomas, Anna Kate Sellers, Todd Sellers, Blair Casebere, Mason Bentley, Jackson Bentley, and Merritt Bentley.

Friends are cordially invited to the graveside service being held on Tuesday, the 12th of September at Memory Hill Gardens Cemetery located at 2200 Skyland East Boulevard, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35405. Services will commence at ten o’clock in the morning and will be conducted by Dr. Jim Auchmuty and Dr. Charles Carter. Immediately following the service, friends are welcome to attend the reception being held at Memory Chapel Funeral Home.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorials be directed to any churches Dr. Thomas formerly served throughout his ministry. Services are under the direction of Ridout’s Valley Chapel (205-879-3401) in Homewood.