Reverend Hampton, Jr.

HAMPTON, Reverend Ralph C. - former chairman of the Biblical and Ministry Studies Department at Welch College and a member of the college faculty for 50 years, died September 7, 2012, after a two-year battle with cancer. He was 77. The Oklahoma native was converted at age 12 during a youth camp and ordained to preach in 1960. Hampton's ministry to the broader denomination included six pastorates in Tennessee and Missouri, articles for Contact and ONE Magazine, and curriculum writing for Randall House Publications. His signature leadership role came during a 15-year span when the National Association of Free Will Baptists elected him moderator nine times 1987-1996 and assistant moderator six times 1981-1987. He moderated during several controversial and pivotal sessions, including the emotionally-charged 1995 national convention. Ralph began his 50-year tenure at Welch College in 1958 at age 23. Like most young educators, he wore several hats, which meant that he taught 15 hours per semester, served as Christian Service director, and was the dormitory supervisor. The son of a Free Will Baptist preacher and oldest of four brothers, he spent half a century changing the landscape of denominational education, preparing students for ministry in a world-wide community, and raising a family of three children with his wife Margaret—all three children graduated from Welch College. He pushed himself hard as an educator, earning five degrees—A.A. degree from East Contra Costa Junior College 1955, B.A. degree from Welch College 1958, M.A. degree from Winona Lake School of Theology 1961, M.Div. from Covenant Theological Seminary 1970, and the D.Min. ABD from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Ralph is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mrs. Margaret Evans Hampton, who served 37 years at Welch College as manager of Welch Library; daughter Mrs. Laura Reverend Eddie Fleming; sons Reverend Clayton Tammy Hampton and Mr. Kenny Margaret Hampton; grandchildren, Evan and Elizabeth Fleming; Sarah Brent Jenkins, Joshua Kimberly Hampton, Jonathan Hampton, Michael Regina Hampton, Nicholas Hampton, and Rachel Hampton; great grandchildren, Caden Jenkins, Taylor Hampton, Colton Hampton, and Boone Hampton; one brother, Reverend Larry D.Margaret Hampton. The Life Celebration service will be on Monday, September 10, 2012, at 1pm, at the Welch College Auditorium, 3606 West End Avenue with Reverend William W. Evans officiating. Interment will follow in Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens. Family will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, memorials are encouraged to Two Rivers FW Baptist Church in Clarksville, TN, or Hampton Scholarship @ Welch College. Visitation will be on Sunday from 4-8pm at the WEST HARPETH FUNERAL HOME, 6962 Charlotte Pike; online guestbook www.afamilylegacy.com 352-9400