IN MEMORY OF RALPH CLAYTON BARKSDALE

Ralph Clayton Barksdale left this Earth sooner than anyone expected on Wednesday, October 10, 2021. Although he has struggled with his health these past few years, his family was definitely not prepared for his sudden passing due to sudden Covid-19 complications.

Ralph was not one who sought recognition, popularity, or fame. But without a doubt he left his mark on this world, not only with his art contributions, but also in the lives he's touched along the way. Below is a tribute from someone whose life he touched, his younger brother Glen. And we would LOVE to hear how he has touched all of your hearts as well. Please also feel free to donate what you can to Ralph's family. I know they would appreciate it.

A Memorial Date will be posted once his family has recovered from Covid-19.

Tribute to Ralph Barksdale

In the years before Ralph was Ten, he became fascinated with books written by a cowboy by the name of Will James who also illustrated his own books with his drawings and paintings. Ralph would read the books for hours and then he would redraw all the paintings and sketches from the books. At ten, Ralph’s imaginary world became a reality when he moved to a ranch in Colorado. Now, he could start living the life of Will James. Only, as it turned out, he would not live the life of Will James the cowboy, but Will James the artist.

In the professional world, Ralph was known as an exceptional artist. But there was more. He was also known as a mentor, teacher and one who affected the lives of numerous people. But to me, it was much more personal as I knew him as few people ever would.

We worked together summer after summer after summer obtaining money for our schooling. Sometimes this work literally put us together 24 hours a day for months. In the winter, we returned from our different schools to ski together in Colorado. Yes, I knew him.

Beneath the sometimes caustic actions he liked to use to color his life and the life of others was the centricity of the man who was about Caring and Sharing. Here is the definition of the man I came to know. He certainly suffered long in his last days but he was always kind and concerned about the condition and development of others. He was never envious of others talents or possessions. He was never prideful in what he had accomplished and was completely unselfish in all that he did. If these qualities sound familiar, they should. They are the qualities the Lord revealed were necessary to obtain Charity. And without charity, man is nothing.

Well, Ralph was not a “nothing” and I loved him with all my heart for he was my brother.

-Glen Barksdale