Ralph, the son of Harvey & Margret Childers was born April 15, 1942 in Memphis Tennessee. After graduating Memphis City Schools Ralph then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force May 31 1960 where he was stationed at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha Nebraska where he continued his education in the Military which included the following courses E-4B systems interface operator training, avionics communication technician, communications electronics repairman & air craft radio technician. During his time in the service, he received several medals such as Air Force communication, army good conduct medal, Air Force good conduct medal, Air Force longevity Service award, Air Force outstanding unit award, national defense Service medal.
After 20 years of service Ralph retired from the U S Air Force May 31, 1980.
Ralph moved to Texas and began his career at E-Systems. During that time, he met his wife Mary Adams Gore, whom he married June 9, 1981. Mary loves to tell she only knew him a few weeks and decided he was just the man she needed to protect her and take care of her and her two kids. They left one evening after work and went to the elks lodge in Greenville where their longtime friend, the late Phil Fugit did the ceremony. Sometimes they say it's better to ask for forgiveness than permission since she hadn't told Dewayne & Tammie but fast forward to 40 plus years, they made it work. They resided in Campbell Texas at the home Mary had already established. Later, they got a place (or three) at the lake where they enjoyed being on the water and enjoying time with their kids and grandchildren & many friends. After they both retired from L3 (formally E-Systems) He and Mary eventually gave up the lake life and began their love of taking cruises several times a year most favorite are the ones to Alaska. They loved driving to Fredericksburg and Colorado when possible. They enjoyed rides on their trike, when possible, especially if it involved motorcycle rides when fallen soldiers were brought home. When they were no longer able to take long drives or ride the trike, Ralph enjoyed going up to the local cafe almost every morning and having breakfast with his friends.
Ralph was an excellent husband, father, grandfather & great-grandfather. As both their health started declining, they both resided at Colonial Lodge but as he needed more care, he moved to Clyde Cosper Veterans Home in Bonham March 25th 2024 & it was probably one of his favorite places to stay with so many fellow veterans and developed a friendship with most of them.
Ralph is survived by his wife of 44 years Mary Childers; son Dewayne Gore & Jamie Gore; granddaughter Jordan Gore Puryear & her husband, Brad & great- granddaughter Corey Gore;
Daughter, Tammie & her husband, Joe Himes; grandson, Colby Gore & great grandson, Ryatt Gore & granddaughter, Savannah Himes and a brother, Micheal Childers
He is preceded in death by both parents.
Special thanks and gratitude to Colonial Lodge in Greenville Texas for the care they gave Ralph during his time there last year before moving to Clyde Cosper. We would also like to thank the staff there for showing him so much love and care. When he arrived there on March 2024, he sent me a text and said I THINK I HAVE FOUND WHERE I BELONG. He loved the staff and he especially loved his cigar breaks and visiting with the guys. Ralph loved the military atmosphere and comradery in general. Ralph was proud to be a veteran & proud of his family.
Condolences(5)
Jay & Merry Porter
Grand Rapids, MI Tuesday, March 18, 2025 I served with Ralph in the Air Force while we both had flying positions on the EC-135 PACCS aircraft and throughout the development and delivery of the E-4B (NEACP) advanced airborne command post. Our business relationship and friendship continued after the Air Force as we pursued careers at E-Systems Greenville Division (L3Harris Technologies). Merry and I have fond memories of many carefree weekends spent with Ralph and Mary while camping and boating on Lake Tawakoni.While working together in the Air Force and at E-Systems, I found Ralph to be an individual who was always prepared and committed to the successful accomplishment of every assignment. As a friend, Ralph was always the person who was available to offer help or support.
We sincerely hope Mary, and the family, can take comfort from the knowledge that Ralph was truly a good and loving person who served his country with honor and distinction. His indeed was a life well lived!
Respectfully,
Jay & Merry Porter
Melissa and David Wallace
Commerce, TX Monday, March 17, 2025 Ralph will be missed by family and friends. He was a great man.Melissa and David Wallace
Commerce, TX Monday, March 17, 2025 Ralph will be missed by family and friends. He was a great man.James Ralson
Greenville, TX Sunday, March 16, 2025 Praying for your family Ralph was a joy to be around appreciate him and his friendship praying that God brings you comfort.Shawn Mann
Campbell, TX Friday, March 14, 2025 Ralph was truly a good person. I knew him for forty five years. He will be truly missed.