Dates
Ralph Boyd (“Skip”) Chalfant, 79, of San Angelo, Texas, pulled what his daughters proudly call “the ultimate Irish goodbye” and jogged straight through God’s pearly gates on November 30, 2025.
Ralph was born on October 18, 1946, in Port Arthur, Texas, to Ralph and Ivy (Brown) Chalfant. He grew up in a lively household alongside his siblings—Carole Chalfant Mather, Carl Chalfant, and Elizabeth Chalfant Skinner—who loved him, tolerated him, and at times surely rolled their eyes at his antics. From an early age, he mastered the fine arts of storytelling and the uncanny ability to get caught every single time he got into mischief.
On March 25, 1967, Ralph married Karyle Louise Frazier in Bay City, Texas. Together they raised two extraordinary daughters, Jennifer Faye and Ivy Elizabeth—undeniably the pride of their mother’s life. Ralph taught his girls to love Jesus, which meant he faithfully dragged them to church three times a week, plus youth group on Thursdays, whether they liked it or not. He made sure they attended church camp and Disciple Now retreats with the same enthusiasm some dads reserve only for Pop Warner football. As kids, his daughters were pretty sure he was a little nuts—but as adults, they know he was building a foundation in them that truly mattered…and they are eternally grateful.
Ralph graduated from Deer Park High School in 1965 and soon after began his service to his country. He proudly served in the United States Air Force until his honorable discharge in 1971. He continued his education at Louisiana State University, earning his bachelor's degree in 1972, cementing his lifelong devotion to LSU and the Fighting Tigers.
For 28 years, Ralph built a successful career in sales with various companies and large corporations, traveling across the United States to support his customers and colleagues. Then in 2000, he returned to serve his country once more—this time as a Civilian Personnel Recruiter for the United States Air Force at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Over the next decade, he dedicated himself to helping military spouses find meaningful work and guiding service members as they transitioned into civilian life.
In 2010, he moved to the United States Army to continue the same mission, this time at Fort Hood located near Killeen, Texas. He found deep purpose in supporting military families and veterans while leaving a trail of grateful families and colleagues who admired his honesty and signature no-nonsense approach.
Over the years he attended many ball games, band concerts, school events, stock shows, rodeos, and anything involving his grandkids—even if he didn’t always understand the rules. He cheered loudly and bragged endlessly. He was able to do this even more often after retiring to San Angelo in 2018. His presence—steadfast, warm, and encouraging—will be deeply missed.
Ralph is survived by his devoted and loyal wife of 58 years, Karyle, who deserves a medal; his daughter, Jennifer Massey and her husband, Neil, and their children Blaine Nail, Benjamin Nail, Miles Massey, and Wyatt Massey; his daughter, Ivy Pickens and her husband, Steve, and their children Brode Pickens (and his wife, Kelcey; great-grandchildren Aubree and Baylor), Kyndall (“Kip”) Pickens, and Chaney Pickens. He is also survived by his sisters, Carole Mather and Elizabeth Skinner (and her husband, Gary).
Ralph was preceded in death by his mother, Ivy (Brown) Chalfant; his bonus-mother, Minnie (Williams) Chalfant; his father, Ralph Chalfant; and his brother, Carl Chalfant.
Ralph leaves behind a legacy of service, devotion, and love. His dedication to God, his family, his country, and the military community will continue to inspire all who knew him. May he rest in eternal peace.
A celebration of life will be held in the spring of 2026. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Air Force Association, LSU Athletics, or a foundation of your choice supporting Parkinson’s Disease research or local veterans. Geaux Tigers!