Powell Ralph Gassiott III

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Powell Ralph Gassiott III, a cherished father, grandfather, brother, and friend, who departed this world peacefully at home on March 23, 2026, at the age of 84. Born on August 5, 1941, in Liberty, Texas, Ralph led a life marked by service, love, and unwavering faith.

Ralph was the beloved son of Powell Ralph Gassiott, Jr. and Edna Sue Gassiott. He was predeceased by his devoted wife of 50 years, Joanna Gassiott, his parents, and his brother, Thomas Gassiott. He leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter in his surviving family: his son Kyle Gassiott (Montgomery, Ala) and daughters Karri Sanders(Midland) and her husband Joe, and Kristin Wagner (Wylie) and her husband Greg; his brothers Glenn Gassiott(Joyce) and Tim Gassiott(Mary); his sisters-in-law Sunya Lewis and Elaine Holliman; his nine adored grandchildren: Ruth Sanders, Duncan Sanders, Mary Alice Sanders, Dulcie Sanders, Crispin Sanders, Kai Sanders, Grace Wagner, Wyatt Wagner, and Elizabeth Wagner; and many nieces and nephews.

A proud alumnus of Cleveland High School, Ralph was voted “Best All Around Boy” by his peers, excelling as an all-district football player and a member of the National Honor Society. His academic journey continued at East Texas Baptist College and Baylor University, where he was a member of the Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity and Seventh and James Baptist Church. Ralph persevered through hard work in the oil fields during the summer months, funding his education.  He was President of his Senior Class at Baylor, earning a degree in history with a minor in religion in 1963. He later achieved a Master of Business Administration from The University of Texas of the Permian Basin in 1987.

Ralph devoted 42 years to the insurance industry, working as a claims adjuster and agency office worker for State Farm, and selling life insurance for Mutual of Omaha. His dedication and integrity were recognized through numerous service awards, highlighting his servant leadership and unwavering moral compass. Ralph also served on the Appraisal Review Board of Midland County from 2016 to 2024.

His faith was the cornerstone of his life, reflected in his 56 years of membership at First Baptist Church in Midland. There, he served tirelessly, counseling couples with Joanna, teaching young boys through the Royal Ambassadors, and teaching children’s Sunday school. Ralph was a deacon, served on many different committees through the years, and was a constant presence in the children’s ministry, where he delighted in sharing Bible stories and leading Bible drills.

Ralph also volunteered for Special Olympics, and coached sports teams through YMCA and MSA.

Ralph’s passion for football was only rivaled by his love for people. An avid Baylor Bears and Dallas Cowboys fan, his Saturdays in the fall were spent cheering on his teams, surrounded by his friends and family.  Known for his quick wit, warm smile, and storytelling prowess, Ralph made everyone feel welcome and valued. His kindness and humor left a lasting impression on all who met him, and even in his final days, his light shone brightly for those around him.

The family will receive guests from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Sunday, March 29, 2026 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. A service to celebrate Ralph’s remarkable life will be held on Monday, March 30, 2026, at 12:00 PM at First Baptist Church, located at 2104 W Louisiana in Midland. Friends and family are invited to gather and honor a life well-lived.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the children’s ministry at First Baptist Church in Ralph’s memory, so that his legacy of faith and love for teaching may continue to inspire future generations.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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