Ralph Benfield   March 2, 1938  -  August 18, 2011

Tribute To Our Pastor Ralph Benfield

 Heaven became sweeter on August 18, 2011. It was the day when Pastor Ralph Benfield left this earth and went to be with the Saviour he so dearly loved. Brother Ralph’s life is an example to follow. The words of Scripture can rightly be applied to him where the Bible says, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness….”

 Pastor Benfield lived a rich life. He was born March 2, 1938 to loving parents. Though he did not have many earthly possessions, he was taught to live as a man of integrity and character. Those values made him to believe every young man should serve his country, which Brother Ralph did by entering the United States Marine Corps. Upon leaving the military, he married his best friend, Bryte, and for fifty-one years they served God and loved people, raising two children and being a blessing to countless others. Believing God was calling him into the ministry, Brother Ralph moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he was trained under the preaching of Dr. Lee Roberson and Tennessee Temple University. Once his studies were completed, Brother Ralph and his wife went to Morristown, Tennessee, where he started the Morristown Baptist Tabernacle and served as pastor for over forty-five years. Brother Ralph both believed and practiced that a life worth living is one given to Jesus Christ.

Occasionally, it is said of a person that he is one-of-a-kind. Such a statement could be made of Brother Ralph. For example, he enjoyed a good laugh. He joked behind the pulpit that divorce was not an option in his marriage, but murder might be. He also was well-known to be upfront in his opinions. It did not take one long to realize where he stood with the preacher. Those who sat under his ministry can easily quote his favorite expressions, like, “Get to work” or, “We need to be good stewards.” Though the preacher was fiery about God’s work and living righteously, there was a great tenderness to his heart. He shed many tears for those in hospitals or those who had suffered a loss in the family. His desire was that people come to know Jesus Christ, and he made countless visits to homes, hoping to win someone to the Lord. He truly was unique, and the reason there is such grief over his death is because it is known that one who greatly loved is no longer on the earth.

There are men of whom it can be said they started well but did not finish well. Brother Ralph both began and ended his journey well. His last days on earth had many difficulties, including sickness and surgeries. Yet, his heart was set on the needs of others. Even in the hospital, he often asked, “How’s your family,” or he would say, “I love you.” As friends and family gathered around him, he sought to help them through whatever trials they faced. As others sought to encourage him, he sought to encourage them. His final moments were given in love for His God and for the people in his life.

Brother Ralph will be greatly missed, but he is not lost. He is with the same Lord about whom he preached for forty-five years. He may not be upon the earth, but he is at home. Brother Benfield’s homegoing is reminiscent of the character Mr. Valiant-for-truth in the classic, The Pilgrim’s Progress:

"After this it was noised abroad that Mr. Valiant-for-truth was taken with a summons by the same post as the other, and had this for a token that the summons was true, "That his pitcher was broken at the fountain." When he understood it, he called for his friends, and told them of it. Then said he, I am going to my Father’s; and though with great difficulty I have got hither, yet now I do not repent me of all the trouble I have been at to arrive where I am. My sword I give to him that shall succeed me in my pilgrimage, and my courage and skill to him that can get it. My marks and scars I carry with me, to be a witness for me that I have fought His battles who will now be my rewarder. When the day that he must go hence was come, many accompanied him to the river-side,into which as he went, he said, "Death, where is thy sting?" And as he went down deeper, he said, "Grave, where is thy victory?" So he passed over, and all the trumpets sounded for him on the other side."

If only earth could hear the sound of the trumpets that welcomed home one of God’s children, Pastor Ralph Benfield.

Written By: Bro. Clint Lewey