Funeral services for Retired MSG Ralph Eugene Deal Sr. 90, of Harker Heights, TX will be held Saturday, April 4, 2026, 1:00 p.m. at The Cathedral of Deliverance and Praise Church of God in Christ in Harker Heights.

Burial will be held on Monday, April 6, 2026, 10:00 a.m. at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, TX.

Viewing will be held one hour prior to the service (12:00 p.m.- 1:00 p.m.) at the church.

MSG (Ret.) Deacon Ralph Eugene Deal Sr.

Deacon Ralph Eugene Deal Sr., born on February 19, 1936, in Fruitland, Maryland, entered this world as a blessing to the late Charles and Emma Deal. One of six children born to this union, he grew up surrounded by the love, discipline, and strength of a close-knit family. From an early age, Ralph's devotion to God was unmistakable. His faith shaped his character, guided his steps, and became the foundation of a lifelong journey in Christ. Mr. Deal Sr. passed away March 11, 2026.

After graduating from Salisbury High School, Ralph developed an immense appetite for knowledge. He went on to earn two Associate Degrees in Business, demonstrating the same determination and excellence that would define every chapter of his life.

Ralph proudly served his country for 20 years in the United States Army, including honorable service during the Vietnam War. His bravery and sacrifice were recognized with a Purple Heart and numerous commendations. Following his retirement from the Armed Forces, he continued his commitment to hard work and service through a second 20-year career with Dynacorp.

Yet, of all his accomplishments, Ralph's greatest joy came not from medals or milestones, but from meeting the love of his life, Shirley Louis Tyler. They were united in marriage on August 24, 1963, beginning a beautiful journey of love, faith, and partnership. After enduring nine miscarriages, God blessed them with their miracle child—Ralph Eugene Deal II—born at 4 pounds, 4 ounces. This blessing became a living testament to their faith, perseverance, and unwavering trust in God.

Deacon Deal was a man of excellence. He set the standard. He was the blueprint. His faithfulness in every aspect of his life—family, church, work, and community—reflected the depth of his character. He loved his family, his church family, his friends, and all who crossed his path. Deacon Deal was, and remains, deeply loved by all who truly knew him. His motto, "triple blessed by the best," was not just a phrase—it was the way he lived. He moved with Godly confidence, serving as a true and unselfish servant of the Lord.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Emma Deal; and his brothers Charles Deal, Alton Deal, and James Deal.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Shirley Deal; his son, Ralph Deal II, and daughter-in-love, Sylvia Deal; his loving sister, Doris Saunders; and his brothers, Sidney Deal and Clyde Deal. He is also survived by his grandchildren—Blake Deal, Sterling Deal, Parker Deal, Abigail Deal, Amaya Smith, and Sharlees St. Joy—who brought him immense pride and joy.

Ralph also leaves behind beloved brothers- and sisters-in-law: Louis and Cathy Bryson, William Tyler, and Mary Johnson. His legacy continues through a host of nieces and nephews, including Terry Skepple, Rita Jones, Kaye Mitchell, Lena Deal, Renee Deal, Fran Deal, Roy Deal, Antonio Deal, Ryan Deal, Stephanie Deal, Phyllis Deal, Carla Bryson, Tomiee Johnson, Christina Johnson, Danielle Ogunmolasuyi, Robert Johnson Jr., Jonathan Bryson, Mark Johnson Jr., Kehinde Ogunmolasuyi, and many more cherished family members.

As we celebrate the life of Deacon Ralph Eugene Deal Sr., we honor a man who walked with purpose, served with humility, and loved without limits. His legacy is etched into the hearts of all who knew him—through his unwavering faith, his devotion to family, and the quiet strength that defined his every step. Though he has transitioned from this earthly life, his spirit lives on in the lessons he taught, the love he gave, and the example he set. We rejoice knowing he now rests in the presence of the Lord, whole, healed, and embraced by eternal peace.