of Jonesboro, AR
January 9, 1934 - May 1, 2015
Ralph O'Brien Boling Sr. was born January 8, 1934 in Dixie, Arkansas to Lila Ellington Boling and Elmer Boling, a carpenter and farmer. Lila and Elmer raised Ralph and his ten brothers and sisters on their family farm.
Ralph suffered from rheumatic fever as a boy causing him to miss a year of school. To help Ralph through that difficult year, his parents were advised to purchase chicks for Ralph to tend, which began Ralph's lifelong appreciation for raising livestock. From the beginning he had a gift for negotiating and deal-making, and he was always at home in the sale barn. Over the years he raised cattle, catfish, bees, goats, sheep, guard dogs, and horses.
Ralph met Gail Martin when she was 16 and he was 19. They married a year later, in August of 1954, at Central Baptist Church in Jonesboro, Arkansas. A year later their first child, Ralph O'Brien Boling Jr., was born. He was followed six years later by a daughter, Sandra Leigh Boling (Bradley). After her birth the family moved to their current home in Valley View where they lived on the beloved "RB Ranch" for over 50 years, raising livestock and enjoying the company of family and friends.
Ralph took great pride in his family. His son Ralph Jr. is an obstetrician gynecologist and a retired Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Army. Ralph Jr. and his wife Debra reside in Kirksville, Missouri. Ralph Jr. has 3 sons (all serving in the US Army and Reserve): Captain Patrick Boling (Christy), Lt. Jeremy Boling (Katherine), and Captain Nathan Boling (Katie), and one stepson, Michael Watkins (Christina) whose career is in law enforcement. His daughter, Sandy, is an executive with McLarty Companies. She and her husband Roy have a daughter, Lauren and reside in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Ralph was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren who loved their grandfather and knew he would reward good report cards! Kaci, Jace, Jacob, Audrey, Madison, Theo and Dora.
Early in his professional career, Ralph served as a police officer and in the Arkansas National Guard and later as an entrepreneur. After leaving the police force, he began the Jonesboro Merchant Police, which provided private security services for businesses. Eventually it grew into Boling Security Guard, which provided expanded security offerings and became the leading supplier of security guard services across the tri-state area and will continue operations for years to come!
He took great pride in his work, never missing a day until he fell ill last week.
Ralph's knowledge and passion for law enforcement led him into public service. He ran for Craighead County Sheriff without success, but public service earned him many steadfast supporters and lifelong friends.
Ralph had a love for the outdoors. He owned a hunting resort and skeet shooting range for many years, where he provided guided pheasant and quail hunts.
He had a full life of hard work, love and friendships. He often told his friends he was fortunate to have lived his life without regret and would not change a thing. He was at peace upon his death, at 81.
Ralph was preceded in death by Lila and Elmer Boling, and his wife, Gail Boling and siblings Moniece (Micahek), Earnestine (Labarreare), Lois (Brickell), Glyn Boling and Billy Boling. He is survived by a sister and four brothers: Fred Boling, Flossie (James) (Baggett), Clinton Boling, Judge Larry Boling (Carolyn), and Kenny Boling (Pat); a son, Dr. Ralph Jr.; a daughter, Sandy; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren; sister in law Mary Francis Martin, and a special friend and companion, Peggy Hogue.
Visitation will be Friday May 8 from 5-8 p.m. at Roller Farmer's Union Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. at New Hope Baptist Church. Interment will be at Philadelphia Cemetery. Pallbearers: Captain Patrick Boling, Officer Keith Baggett, David Boling, Dr. John Boling, Corporal Jason Boling and Corporal Bill Calderon. Honorary Pallbearers: Boling Security Guards and all of Ralph's friends he would drink coffee with and solve the problems of the world (far too many to list!). In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to the New Hope Baptist Church Building Fund 1021 New Hope Lane, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72404.
Carolyn, I'm so sorry for the loss of your brother-n-law. I am the one you spoke to about Boling family tree. I haven't worked on it since the death of my son,2007, with regret. I so much wanted to meet all of you. Your family sound like wonderful people. I share the same GGGrandfather, Hiram Green Boling, with Ralph and his siblings. Please give my condolences to the family. I'll keep all of you in my prayers.
My condolences to the Boling family and friends. I'm honored I was able to meet Ralph during a visit to Arkansas with my friend Tamara Gage. RIP Mr. Boling; God bless.
God Bless and Keep Ralph and his family...
I've known Ralph about 25 years... work for him and with his brother at BSGfrom February 1998-June 2003 when I was deployed to the Middle East after the war started. Ralph and Fred were great guys to work with and I pray the Lord send blessings, peace and grace at this time.
Ralph always loved western movies,when i would go to jonesboro to visit gail and ralph, he would have the western movies on, I always enjoyed the RB Ranch and seeing the new additions to the farm. May you rest in peace Ralph and Happy Trails.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Ralph and my dad Robert were friends for a long time before he passed away years ago. I always will remember the kindness he showed me and I appreciated all that he did. He will be missed. I pray that God will comfort you in your sorrow.
Sandy, we are so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Love to you all.
So sorry to hear about you dad's passing. You and he shared a special relationship. I know you will miss him deeply.
SO sorry to read the news of Ralph's passing. Asking for Gods comfort and blessings for all the family.
Good friend.
New Ralph for several years he was a kind and gentle man he will be missed.
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. You all are in our hearts and prayers in this time of sadness. I will never forget the catfish farm and mom still speaks of those days and you all with fond memories. Love and Prayers to you all.
Our deepest sympathies,
Jimmy & Dianne Garcia & family
Aunt Jere
We have been visiting Mr. Bolings farm with our grandpa Danny Harris as long as the three of us can remember. When his dog had pups, he let us pick any one we wanted. He gave us a baby goat for a pet once. That goat was part of the family. Ralph would take us all riding on his power cart through his fields. My grqandpa talks about him all the time. Our hearts ached when my papaw tod me that he is gone. Mr. Boling, my brothers Case, Remington and me will miss you deeply. We will think of you always. Our love goes out to all the family.
Sandy, I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. I pray for you and the family during this time. Love, Minnie
Mr Boling, it was a pleasure to have worked for you many years ago in Jacksonville at the Franklin Electric facility. It was a time I'll never forget. Ihad the best time there-and had the finest co-workers and boss in the business. Thank you so much for the great memories, and my prayers to all.
My deepest sympathy to you Sandy and your family. May God give you strength and comfort during this difficult time.
Much love,
April Babcock and Family
What a blessing to know this family. Our thoughts an prayers are with you as you celebrate the life of a wonderful caring man.
I just got a call that broke my heart. Ralph, you are one of the very best friends that I have ever had. We met in 2991 when i contracted your security company at Maverick Tube. You presented your quote and I told you that you came in way too cheap and convienced you to raise the rates before I presented it. We had a lot in common and became close friends. My grandkids loved you and enjoyed coming out to your place for rides on the Mule as well as playing with the goats. They tooks home puppys and baby goats more than once. I will sure miss our dinners out with my wife, Patty, you and Peggy. We could talk for hours. I could never do that with may people. I will miss sharing stories about your family and mine. Man, we discussed everything from windmills to politics. You are the best person that I have evern known and I can't wait to see you again. You left us a proud, honest and loved man. I learned much from you. Your family and friends were blessed to have been part of your life. I only wish that I could have said good-by.
Ralph was an amazing boss, a wonderful mentor, and just a good person. he was like a grandpa to me and he will be truly missed. I would not be where I am today if it was not for him giving me the opportunity to go to college and better myself. I love you Ralph
My deepest sympathy, Ralph was a good friend to Don and to me.
Thoughts & Prayers, to Mr. Boling family.
We extend our deepest sympathy to all of Ralph's family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.