Ralph Burrage
Ralph Burrage, a retired Southern Baptist minister, passed away on August 18, 2024, at the age of 80. Born on October 23, 1943, in Hollywood, Florida, Ralph dedicated his life to serving God, spreading the Gospel, and mentoring countless young ministers along the way.
His educational journey began at Mississippi State University, and he attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary before pursuing God’s calling in ministry full-time. He was fond of citing Proverbs 16:9 “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps” – and this guided his entire life.
In 1971, Ralph married the love of his life, Yvonne Burrage, and together they built a strong, faithful marriage that spanned over five decades. He often shared how much he cherished their bond and partnership in life. She preceded him in death on February 12, 2024.
Ralph had an unwavering commitment to helping churches fulfill the Great Commission. He served in multiple capacities throughout his ministerial career, including as Executive Pastor and Minister of Education at Calvary Baptist Church in Beaumont, Texas, where he ministered from 2003 until his retirement in 2013. Before that, he led faithfully at First Baptist Norfolk in Virginia and held many leadership roles in educational ministries across the country.
His leadership extended to roles at LifeWay Christian Resources, Long Hollow Baptist Church, Parkdale Baptist Church, Spencer Memorial Baptist Church, First Baptist Springdale and Miami Shores Baptist Church, among others. Ralph’s contributions were not just organizational but deeply personal—he taught, mentored, and loved the people he served, always seeking to glorify God through his work. He often reflected on his ministry, quoting a line from his other great love which was cinema, “What we do in life will be revealed in eternity!”
Ralph was a man guided by Scripture and wisdom, and he returned time and time again to the book of Proverbs, “Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do! And whatever else you do, get good judgment.” (4:7) He believed that life’s challenges were opportunities to trust God more fully and to grow in wisdom. His life was a living testimony to his favorite verse from Philippians “In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing, so that no one can speak a word of blame against you.” (2:14-15)
In his retirement years, Ralph remained committed to mentoring and teaching. His wisdom, compassion, and dedication to the Word of God touched the lives of many. His family, friends, and church communities will remember him for his unshakable faith, his generous spirit, and his love for helping others grow in Christ.
Ralph is survived by his sons, Joshua and Jason, and by Angela Ward, whom he loved dearly. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and commitment.
If you would like to honor him, donate to a local church’s educational program. Or you could take a friend or loved one to an afternoon movie. Both would make Ralph smile.
A memorial service for Mr. Burrage will be at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His cremation arrangements were handled through Broussard’s Crematorium.
Video
Memorial Service
Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
- 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
- August 27, 2024
- 2:00 pm
I served with Ralph at First Norfolk. He was a mentor and wonderful man of God. He and Yvonne are stil missed in Norfolk. Praying for Joshua, Jason and Angela. My sympathy for your loss but rejoice in knowing that Ralph and Yvonne are celebrating with Jesus whom they served so well. ❤️
Jason and Josh, your family and mine have been connected for many years, both at Calvary and Marshall Middle School, where I taught you, Jason. Your dad was a brilliant man and an outstanding Bible teacher. My late husband and I really enjoyed his class. He loved you guys with all his heart and spoke of you often. Let his and your mom’s memory and lessons guide you through your life. They were great models.
With great sympathy,
Mary Ann Cohen
Ralph was truly a humble servant of God. He thought of others more than himself. He and I were good friends at First Baptist Norfolk during the John Powers tenure. He will be missed. He is now with his bride and enjoying Heaven with Jesus.
He will be greatly missed and appreciated by the way he was, a great man and good friend. I could always count on him to be helpful to me spiritually. He was always very kind and supportive and kind. He always seemed to be in a good mood. And so was his wife. I have no doubt where they are going to reunite in heaven. Rest in peace, my brother.
I served as a deacon at Calvery during Ralph’s time there. He was a godly man and was instrumental in our son coming to know Christ. Another one of his favorite sayings was “you’re not saved to sit, but saved to serve”!! Bonnie and I are praying for the family and still miss him, even though we now live in Boerne. Dale and Bonnie Durr
Touched so many lives. Only met one time but talked and emailed many times.
Amazing Gentleman!
Served the Lord
Sweet legacy.
Dear Family and Friends-
What an exemplary servant of the Lord. We will always be thankful for his and Yvonne’s kindness, gift of teaching, and love. We will miss them as they are welcomed into the presence of our Lord.
With prayers for you all,
Emily and Randy
Uncle Ralph has always been the person I and others looked to for spiritual guidance and inspiration. He’s been a rock in our lives. Vaya con Dios tío
Ralph leaves BIG shoes to fill. He was a blessing to me personally and his ministry to others is immeasurable.
I am grateful to be counted among the many who could say how much Ralph’s discipleship and mentorship shaped my Christian journey at Miami Shores Baptist Church. His extraordinary gifting in teaching and leading impacted the kingdom of God and I’m certain he stands today worshipping Jesus among many whose lives were touched by his ministry.
Rest in Peace, Ralph. A faithful servant of God and a good & decent main. It is my honor to have known you and your family.
Praying for the family
Ralph was very instrumental in my early days of ministry
Rest Well – Man of God
Love Pastor Kennedy & Deanna
Harvest for Lost Souls Church
Beaumont, Texas
Joy and I extend our heart felt sympathy to you Joshua and David. I need your dad as a teenager at Gateway Baptist Church in Miami where he served as Assistant pastor and Minister of education. As an adult serving as a pastor we maintained our relationship for over five decades.
Blessings,
Dr. And Mrs. Warren L. ( Joy ) Gilpin
Ralph captured the essence of the Way of Jesus Christ through his brilliant mind and caring Spirit. He proved to be a helpful friend to me at Southwestern in 1968, at the Baptist Sunday School Board in the early 1980s and throughout the years since. He will be greatly missed. BillShields
Our hearts are broken, and yet we rejoice over Ralphs well – lived life in service to our Lord, and his welcome into heaven.
Angela, Jason, and Josh,
Your parents meant so much to Tommy and me, and we will be eternally grateful for all they taught us, as well as the time they spent mentoring us. We have no doubt of their joyful reunion in heaven for all eternity.
Blessings and love to you, and may God’s peace pour over you.