Ralph Jackson Wadsworth

Ralph Jackson Wadsworth Sr., 93, of Mesquite, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2026. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, brother, friend, and a proud retired Texas Ranger. Ralph lived a life marked by his strong faith in our Lord, immense love for his family, dedication to his community, and faithful service to the State of Texas.

Ralph was born on October 30, 1932, in Ellis County near Midlothian, Texas, to Lone and Martha Collings Wadsworth. He was one of ten children and was the twin brother of George Ray Wadsworth, who later served as a Lieutenant with the SMU Police Department.

Ralph joined the United States Air Force in 1951 and proudly served for four years. He married the love of his life, Peggy Taylor, on October 9, 1954. Together, they shared nearly 72 years of marriage and built a beautiful life and family together.

Following his military service, Ralph graduated with the 24th Recruit Class of the Texas Department of Public Safety on January 4, 1956. He was assigned to the Texas Highway Patrol in Brenham, where he served for three and a half years before transferring to Mesquite in 1959.

After 18 years of dedicated service with the Texas Department of Public Safety, Ralph was promoted to the Texas Rangers on January 1, 1977, and assigned to Company “A” in Houston. In March 1978, he transferred to Company “B” in Garland. After serving the citizens of the State of Texas for 29 years and eight months, Ralph honorably retired as a Texas Ranger on August 31, 1985.

While Ralph was immensely proud of his career and his service to Texas, his greatest joy was his family. He was a kind, gentle, and loving man who treasured his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. He leaves behind a legacy of love, service, strength, and devotion that will continue through the generations who were blessed to know him.

Ralph was a man of strong faith who was ready to meet his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His family finds comfort in knowing that he is now home in Heaven and that one day they will be reunited with him.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife of nearly 72 years, Peggy; daughter Sherri Wadsworth and boyfriend Bernard; son Ralph Jackson Wadsworth Jr. “Jack” and wife Felecia; son Jody Wadsworth; granddaughter Karri Pritchard and husband Chris; granddaughter Billie Hobbs and husband Paul; grandson Ralph Jackson Wadsworth III “Trey”; granddaughter Alexandra Wadsworth; great-granddaughter Ashley Parker and husband Justin; great-grandson Hunter Hobbs and wife Caitlin; great-grandson Parker Hobbs and wife Brylee; great-granddaughter Lanie Jander and husband Josh; great-granddaughter Skylar Hobbs and boyfriend Aidan; great-granddaughter Nicole Cox; great-grandson Nathan Wadsworth; great-great-grandchildren Greyson and Jackson Parker; other loving family members; countless friends; and his precious dog, Lacey.

Ralph will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His family is grateful for the life he lived, the people he served, the love he gave so freely, and the lasting legacy he leaves behind.

A viewing will take place on August 29, 2026, from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm at Inspiration Church, 1233 N Belt Line Rd, Mesquite, TX 75149.

A funeral service will follow on August 29, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Inspiration Church, 1233 N Belt Line Rd, Mesquite, TX 75149.

A committal service will take place on August 29, 2026, from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm at Laurel Oaks Cemetery, 12649 Lake June Rd, Mesquite, TX 75180.