Solon Ralph Jennings, III

Solon Ralph Jennings III left this world for his heavenly home on February 21, 2026. Ralph was born in Harlingen, Texas, on May 15, 1945, to Mr. and Mrs. Solon Ralph Jennings, Junior.

Long-time active community members, Ralph’s parents provided a loving and supportive home for Ralph and his two sisters, Jean and Barbara. Always a happy, ambitious, and industrious child and adolescent, Ralph enjoyed having a paper route and was known to be loyal to his customers and to his family, all traits he carried with him throughout his life. Ralph loved spending time gardening with his father, especially as they worked side by side in the greenhouse they built together, which still stands, 50 years later, in his sister Jean’s yard. Ralph graduated from Harlingen High School in Harlingen, Texas. 

He earned his baccalaureate degree from Texas Tech University and his master’s degree from Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. He returned to teach for the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District, where he achieved the position of Director of Vocational Education at his high school alma mater. Ralph enjoyed a meaningful teaching career using his remarkable skills to create and teach for career success. Examples of his life-changing contributions are still on exhibit today, some standing as lovely Harlingen homes constructed entirely by Ralph’s high school students. Following his retirement from teaching, Ralph continued his contributions to education by serving as Consultant for Region Four in Texas. Following their mutual final retirement, Ralph and his beloved wife, Elizabeth, moved to the beautiful bay front community of Fairhope, Alabama, joining cherished friends and making wonderful new friendships. 

Ralph continued his love for church music through the First Baptist Church Men’s Choir and enjoyed wonderful bonds made in the Friendship Sunday School class. Continuing his love of the outdoors, Ralph’s favorite place became their home with beautiful gardens he thoughtfully created. Ever the golfer who had spent years playing with his son, Trey, and friends in Texas, Ralph became a frequent figure on the golf courses up and down the Eastern Shore, where he enjoyed playing with wonderful friends, and recently celebrating a hole in one on the Quail Creek course!

 Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Barbara Franks; his brother-in-law, Thomas Prechel, and his daughter-in-law, Kristin Sheubrooks. 

Ralph Jennings was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a great friend, Remaining grateful to cherish happy memories are the love of his life, his wife, Elizabeth; and their children: Ann Bowling (Bill), Trey Jennings (Nikki Barba), Melanie Michael (Chet), Richard Sheubrooks (Monica) and his sister, Jean; grandchildren Blake and Holly Bowling, Chance Jennings, Jack, Zara, and Michael Sheubrooks, as well as nieces and nephews Jim and Bethany Prechel; Mike and Marsha Prechel; Laurie and Paul Campbell; Kevin and Shiarene Franks; and Melanie Franks. Ralph will forever be cherished for his abundant and uplifting interest in the well-being of others, and for being “the most helpful person we ever knew.” 

Funeral services for Ralph Jennings will be held Saturday, March 7, at the First Baptist Church, 300 South Section Street, Fairhope, Alabama, 36532. Visitation with family and friends will be held from 2:00-3:00 p.m., and the service will follow starting at 3:00 p.m. 

Pallbearers will be Randy Fleuriet, Chance Jennings, Blake Bowling, Jack Sheubrooks, Terry Sims, Larry Avery, Phillip Callahan, and Gene Tillman. Honorary pallbearers will be Larry Franks, Bill Bowling, Jacob House, Chet Michael, Kib McKibbens, Woods McKibbens, Steele Sims, Spence Sims, Tyke Sims, Trice Sims, Ed Langus, Roger Richardson, Tom Friman, and Donnie Butler. 

Persons wishing to remember Ralph in a special way are invited to honor his lifetime love for flowers by contributing to the Fairhope First Baptist Church Floral Committee in Ralph’s name, thus continuing his appreciation for beauty in Sunday church services. Donations may be sent to the Flower Committee at the church address above. 

Elizabeth Jennings wishes to express her deep appreciation for the love and many kindnesses offered by so many Fairhope friends during Ralph’s illness. She would like to thank the McKibbens family, the Sims family, and the Fleuriet family for their longtime loving support, especially during this most difficult time.

1. ARRANGEMENTS BY
2. WOLFE-BAYVIEW
3. FUNERAL HOMES
4. & CREMATORY, INC.
5. 19698 GREENO RD.
6. FAIRHOPE, AL. 36532
7. (251) 990-7775