Ralph Bird

Ralph B. Bird, passed away on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at the age of 76. Ralph spent the last few weeks in the hospital but was able to spend his final days at home in hospice care with loved ones and his beloved pets. Ralph was a lifelong resident of Throckmorton County and a proud graduate of Throckmorton High School Class of 1966. He also attended West Texas A&M University and Midwestern State University.

Ralph had over forty years of operations and management experience in different enterprises, including oil/gas exploration and farm/ranch management. His last years of employment focused on non-medical, in-home care and assistance for seniors and disabled adults.

Over the years, Ralph was involved in several community organizations.  He served on the board of the Tri-county MHMR, the Throckmorton Volunteer Fire Department and had been a member of the Throckmorton Chamber of Commerce and Alcoholics Anonymous.

If you knew Ralph, you know there was nothing ordinary or generic about him or his dynamic personality. Ralph was one-of-a-kind and had a fun-loving spirit. He was the epitome of optimism and always had a DEAL he was working on.

Ralph leaves a legacy about building relationships and treating people with kindness. Ralph was a people person and truly saw the best in people. He not only taught his family about the importance of helping others, but he wholeheartedly believed in the value of each person. Ralph never met a stranger and would offer the shirt off his back to a person in need (literally!). Even though Ralph struggled with his own addictions, he was able to positively impact countless individuals through A.A. during the years.

In the same way Ralph regarded people, he viewed "things" as indispensable. He didn't want to throw anything away that stopped working because he believed there was more to it. Ralph would always say, "when I have the time, I'm going to fix it".

Ralph loved the water, especially Possum Kingdom Lake. He enjoyed fishing and playing the keyboard. He has even been known to dress up like Santa Claus and visit the nursing home, neighbors, and grandkids.  Ralph was tenderhearted and loved animals and the elderly and was adored by them in return. His passion was anything with a fast motor - - car, motorcycle, boat, RV, helicopter…the faster the better.

Ralph had two children, Biggs (Jami) and Mandy (Mark).  He also had the honor of raising two bonus daughters, Sarina (Josh) and Rosie (Chris), for over 25 years with his wife Donna. Ralph is affectionately known as Poppy Bird to his 9 grandchildren: Hannah, Chase, Olivia, Luke, Aiden, Adilynn, Salem, Remi, Raia.

Ralph's family believe this was his life's motto:

Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride! - - Hunter S. Thompson

Ralph is preceded in death by his parents Bill Bird and Inell Dunlap Bird Cogburn, stepfather Quein Cogburn and sister Barbara Bird.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Ralph on Saturday, October 12, 2024, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the Throckmorton Senior Citizens Center. Stop by for music, stories, and dessert.