Ralph Starling

Ralph E. Starling, Jr.

Mr. Ralph E. Starling, Jr., 73, of Ware Street Thomson, entered into rest Sunday, December 13, 2020, at his residence.

Ralph was born in Augusta, Georgia, to the late Ralph E. Starling, Sr. and Rosa Lee Sanders Starling.  Ralph was an overcomer, and, at a very early age his mother passed away while his father was in Germany during World War II.  He was most grateful for his grandmother, Caroline Sanders, and uncle the late Dr. E.P. Sanders, for raising him.  Ralph was a 1966 graduate of Thomson High School, where he played football and lettered during the 1964-65 school year, playing the position of tackle.  Ralph and the 1965 Thomson Bulldog team became Region 2-A Champion semifinalist. After graduation he attended Brewton-Parker College in Mt. Vernon, Georgia, and later Augusta College.  In 1975, Ralph began his life-long career in the banking business with Bank of Thomson, and retired from Queensborough National Bank and Trust as Vice President in 2016. He was an active member of First Baptist Church, Thomson, where he served as former Sunday School Teacher of the Mens Outreach Class, deacon, chairman of deacons, member of the Senior Mens Class, and currently as facilitator of the alcohol and drug outreach ministry.

His passion for sports, and for being a community-minded servant led him to co-host the “Two Ole Dogs Show” and later “Sports Talk”. He participated as  a voice of the Thomson Bulldogs on Friday nights, and in 2009 he started his radio show “What a Wonderful World”.  Being a supporter of the Thomson High Booster Club, he wanted to be considered in sports as a mediocre player, but a superior fan.  In addition to football, Ralph was an avid baseball, basketball and golf fan. He thought there was no sporting event like the Master’s, where he worked for many years.

Ralph wanted to be remembered as a humble servant.

Left behind to cherish Ralphs memory is his wife of 42 years, Bonnie Jenkins Starling, Thomson; mother and father-in-law, Mr. & Mrs. B. L. Jenkins “Bo & Jo Helen”, Thomson; brother & sister-in-laws, Rev. Lester Jenkins (Rebecca), Thomson, Nancy M. Jenkins, Thomson, Deborah N. Mann (Russell), Appling, Brett Jenkins (Amanda), Thomson, Susan J. Pickard (Daryl), Thomson, Bryan Jenkins (Rebecca), Harlem and Bradley Jenkins (Lauren), Harlem; numerous nieces and nephews whom Ralph loved greatly; beloved friends, Coach Paul & Mary Lou Leroy.  Ralph was predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, Douglas and Tina Pentecost, and brother-in-law Blaine Jenkins.

A private graveside service will be held.  There will be no visitation.

If so desired, memorial contributions can be made to the Peaches Morgan Bicycle Ministry of First Baptist Church, P. O. Box 1205, Thomson, GA.

The family would appreciate any phone calls, emails, cards and text messages during this time. The family will observe social distancing and masks are recommended.

Beggs Funeral Home, Thomson, Georgia is honored to serve the family of Ralph E. Starling, Jr.

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