Reverend Ralph Hawthorne

Rev. Ralph Hawthorne transitioned from this earthly life to be with the Lord on October 16, 2026, at the age of 79. He was born in Greensboro, North Carolina, to the late Joe B. and Blanche Chapman Hawthorne.

Rev. Hawthorne was united in marriage to Willie Beatrice Sherman Hawthorne, and they shared 56 years of marriage. To this union was born two sons.

Rev. Hawthorne received his primary and secondary education in Greenville County Schools. He earned an Associate Degree in Business, with a major in Transportation Management, from Greenville Technical College and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biblical Studies from Faith Baptist College.

He served honorably in the United States Army during the Vietnam era. A few years after his discharge, he answered the call to gospel ministry, becoming a soldier in the army of God. He was licensed to preach and ordained at Rock of Ages Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. A. B. Sherman Sr. and continued preaching faithfully until his health declined.

Rev. Hawthorne exemplified Christian leadership and pastoral commitment as he served three churches as pastor: Cedar Grove Baptist Church in Gray Court, South Carolina, New Trinity Baptist Church in Wellford, South Carolina, and Hebron Baptist Church in Clinton, South Carolina. He was also a member of the National Baptist Convention of America.

A devout man of God, he approached the Scriptures with sincerity and reverence. Rev. Hawthorne preached with passion, prayed with power, and lived a life characterized by integrity, humility, and dedication. Rev. Hawthorne loved the Lord and served Him faithfully throughout his life. In his youth, he joined Reedy Fork Baptist Church. Following his retirement from pastoral ministry, he continued his Christian journey in worship and fellowship at Valley Brook Outreach Baptist Church.

Rev. Hawthorne leaves to cherish his memory and mourn his passing a loving family and host of friends, including his devoted wife of 56 years, Willie Beatrice Sherman Hawthorne; his sons, Daren Hawthorne (Carmelita) of Duncan, South Carolina, and Bryant Hawthorne; four grandchildren, Cameron Hawthorne, Jasmine Hawthorne, Ajiya Hawthorne, and Bryant Hawthorne Jr.; five sisters, Brenda Brownlee, Sandra Hawthorne, and Mary Ann Neely, all of Greenville, South Carolina; Sharon (Steve) Gary of Simpsonville, South Carolina, and JoAnn (Johnny) Sullivan of Fountain Inn, South Carolina; two brothers, Joe G. (Helen) Hawthorne and Henry Odell (Geraldine) Hawthorne, both of Greenville, South Carolina; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends.

In addition to his parents, Rev. Hawthorne was preceded in death by his siblings, George Hawthorne, Betty Earle, Yvonne Goldsmith, Eddie Hawthorne, Steve Hawthorne, and Linda Briggs.

Rev. Hawthorne stood firmly on the Word of God and believed that the Lord was his strength, his help, and his refuge. As we reflect upon his life, we remember his faith, his perseverance, and his faithful service to God. His earthly journey has ended, but the testimony of his life and the legacy of his ministry will remain in the hearts of those he touched.

As the Apostle Paul declared: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV)

Arrangements are incomplete.