Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Ralph Ligon Obituary
Dr. Ralph Edwin Ligon was born on the 28th October 1941 in Moro, Arkansas, where he was raised. He passed away on the 19th of March 2011 in Little Rock, Arkansas. After graduating from Marianna High School, he attended Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas. He attended the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, Arkansas graduating in 1967. After an Internship at Tampa General, Ralph served as a Flight Surgeon in the United States Air Force. After practicing General Medicine in Stuttgart, Arkansas, Ralph entered the Surgery Residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Upon completion of this program, he established a surgical practice in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. After 20 years in Pine Bluff, Ralph and his wife Marilyn moved to Houston, Texas to be with their two daughters and six grandchildren. In Houston, Ralph joined the department of Surgery at the University of Texas Medical School. He was the Assistant Professor of Surgery at LBJ and Memorial Hermann Hospitals. It was there that Ralph received the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his dedication to teaching, passion for surgery, unending patience, and amazing surgical skills.
Ralph was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His love for his children and their families was immeasurable.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Vinnie and Jim Ligon and his sister Patsy Ligon Dickey.
He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Marilyn, and his daughter Leah Ligon Crosswell and her husband Allen, and their children, Holcombe, Ligon , and Greyson; his daughter Heather Ligon Crosswell and her husband Brady, and their children Clayton, Chapman, and Hollings; his sister and brother-in-law Ila and Bob Burnell of Glenn Dale Maryland; his brother and sister-in-law James C. Ligon II and Ann of Moro Arkansas; His mother-in-law Martha Huffer of Hazen, Arkansas and sister-in-law and brother-in-law Jo and Paul Ford of Searcy, Arkansas.
A memorial service, in celebration of Ralph's life, is to be conducted at two o'clock in the afternoon on Thursday, the 24th of March, at St. Martin's Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road in Houston, where the Rev. Dr. Russell J. Levenson, Jr., Rector, and the Rev. Martin J. Bastian, Senior Associate Rector for Pastoral Care, will officiate. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception to be held at an announced venue.
Prior to the service, the family will have gathered for a private interment at Glenwood Cemetery in Houston.
In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions in Ralph's memory may be directed to the Myeloma Institute - for Research Purposes, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham St., Little Rock, AR, 72205.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Joyce Scott
March 16, 2023
To the Ligon family, Dr. Ligon may be gone from this earth but his memories live on. I still share stories of the days I worked with him in the SICU in Pine Bluff. He was a great surgeon and I always loved taking care of his patients post-operatively. My special memories of him that I hold close to my heart is when he would ask "Joyce are you working this weekend" because I am thinking about taking Mr./Mrs. X to surgery? If I said no, he would often say that it wasn't an emergency and could wait until Monday. If I said yes, he would often perform a surgical case that I would take care of post op. He had high expectations and knew his patient would be in good hands with me. My goal was to keep his patient as stable as humanly possible because I had equal expectations for their safe recovery. Those were great days. We were a good team on "most" days. We also had some heated days but we always respected each other and worked well together for the best outcomes for patients. I miss him and often reflect on the good days. He loved surgery and he was one of the best!
Rob Price
February 11, 2023
Although a great doctor, moreso, this man was a great father! He raised two wonderful ladies in Leah and Heather. May God continue to bless their families.
Mary Jo Milner
March 19, 2019
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you on this anniversary day of Dr. Ligon's passing. There is not a day goes by that I don't think of him and his family. This wonderful man will always hold a special place in my heart as will his wife and girls. Love you all.
Jo Plummer
March 16, 2019
Dr.R.Ligon was an excellent Surgeon. Very kind, caring and respectful to everyone he worked with and in return he was loved by all. I had the opportunity to worked with him as a Circulator and a scrubbed nurse. Continued prayers are with all of you.
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Vinod Joshi
April 13, 2011
Heather-
I am saddened today to hear about the loss of your father. I have special memories of you and your family and hope you can find peace in due time. Please accept my sympathy.
Wanda Zornek-Brown
April 9, 2011
Ligon family,
I scrubbed for Dr. Ligon for many years in surgery in PB. There are so many stories that come to mind thinking back. When he made the decision to retire, surgery was never quite the same for me.I learned so much from him. I am so sorry for your loss.
March 29, 2011
Heather--Thank you your kind words--Ralph was especially dear to me--the best doctor I have ever met--he was the whole package. My email is [email protected]. I would love to see the eulogy---J. Michael Stair
Bobby and Mary Jo Milner
March 29, 2011
Marilyn, Leah, & Heather, my heart is with you during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers have been with you, especially these past two years. Dr. Ligon will always have a special place in my heart! He was always so good to me, like a father and I will miss him terribly. Continued love and prayers are with you.
Kay Crook
March 28, 2011
I met Dr. Ligon in 1992 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. He was such a wonderful doctor and I hated when he moved to Houston. I was so sad to read of his death in the paper. My prayers are with his family during this time. He will be missed by many.
Theresa Attwell
March 27, 2011
Dear Marilyn, Leah and Heather,
We are so sad to learn of Ralph's passing. He was such a sweet gentleman.
We send you all our love and deepest condolences.
Theresa and Evans
Mary Mitchell
March 25, 2011
I was so sorry to hear that Dr Ligon had passed away. He was a good doctor and will be missed by many.
RAY PULLING
March 25, 2011
Thanks a million Dr.Ligon you were there when we needed you.Thanks,Thanks,Thanks. THE PULLING FAMILY
Kourosh Keyhani
March 24, 2011
Dr Ligon was an amazing gifted surgeon, a genuine man, and a true mentor. He will be missed but his knowledge and skills will be continued through us, his students
Shinil Shah
March 24, 2011
Dr Ligon - a master surgeon, educator, humanist, and true gentleman. He will be missed tremendously by the residents that were so fortunate to benefit from his wisdom, patience, encouragement, and mentoring. My deepest condolences to the Ligon family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
NellJean (Rice) Evans
March 24, 2011
So sorry to hear of the passing of my friend from school days when we were all very young. He was always such a nice guy. His sister Patsy was a dear friend of mine. May the family find peace in knowing what kind of person he was. Nell Jean (Rice) Evans from Moro and Marianna Arkansas.
Jason Hess
March 24, 2011
A true mentor; I learned more from his patient leadership than I have in any text. I hope to pass on a small fraction of what he taught me.
Frances Vanlandingham
March 23, 2011
Dr. Ligon will be missed by all, he was my buddy in Infusion 4. Marilyn, you and your family are in our prayers. Love you bunches!
Iris Forrest
March 23, 2011
Dr ligon is the reason I still enjoy nursing after thirty years. He was so knowledgeable and shared it with staff. Working a trauma with him at JRMC was a learning experience for all of us. I still use the patience and caring he taught me with all of my patients. He will be missed by all. May god bless his family.
Pat Souchon
March 23, 2011
Dr Ligon was a fantastic teacher and person. No matter what, he always had a big smile on his face and had a kind word for everyone. He will be terribly missed.
Eduardo Souchon
March 23, 2011
As a friend unsurpassed, as a profesional an example to everybody, as a human being THE BEST.
He will be missed.
Isabel and Eduardo Souchon MD.
Houston Texas
Melissa Ray
March 23, 2011
So sorry to hear of Dr. Ligons passing. I have fond memories of you all from Pine Bluff, as does my family. Our prayers are with you all.
Jo Plummer
March 23, 2011
When the Lord calls our loved ones home, he leaves a gift of memories in exchange.
I'm sorry for your loss.
Lorrian Yates
March 23, 2011
My condolences goes out to the Ligon family. I knew Dr. Ligon for a short time as the UT General Suregry clinic nurse. Within that time I came to know a very kind and sweet individual who was always a pleasure to work with. I have seen Dr. Ligon on his good and bad days and he always managed to have a smile on his face and a pleasant tone of voice no matter what he was going through. Dr. Ligon will be terribly missed.
Lorrian Yates
March 23, 2011
To the Ligon family my condolences goes out to you. I knew Dr. Ligon for a short time as the UT General Surgery nurse, but within that short time I came to know a very sweet and kind individual. I have seen Dr. Ligon on his good and bad days and he always had a smile on his face. He will be terribly missed.
March 23, 2011
I knew the Ligon family when we were all growing up in Moro, Arkansas, we all used to play together. I have not seen any of them for years but our prayers are with you.
March 23, 2011
I can offer only my condolences. Ralph and I graduated from T.A. Futrall High School in Marianna, AR. When Moro began sending kids to Marianna was where I first met Ralph. Always the consummate gentleman, Ralph was a great student and person to be around. I am so sorry for your loss.
Pat Howe
Searcy, AR
Dennis Go
March 23, 2011
I remember Ralph from my training days. He treated us house staff well.
Dennis E. GO, MD, Quincy Medical Group
PBHS '69, Hendrix '73, UAMS '77
J, Mathews
March 23, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. May God comfort you and take away your pain and may your memories bring you joy.
Joyce Scott
March 22, 2011
Mrs. Ligon and family,
It is with much sadness to hear of Dr. Ligon's passing. I worked with Dr.Ligon for many years in the SICU in Pine Bluff, AR. He was a wonderful surgeon and well respected staff member. I loved working with him and became a better nurse because of his teachings and high expectations. I hope you and your family can take comfort in knowing that he was a positive influence in so many lives. I feel privileged that our paths crossed during his journey. May God's grace continue to sustain you during these difficult times.
March 22, 2011
Mike and I worked many years with Dr Ligon at JRMC. He was a fine doctor and will be missed by many. Mike and Gill Mitchell, Oxford, MS.
March 22, 2011
Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers. What a tremendous loss for your family as well as the medical community. He was a man admired by many.
With great love,
Karen Luft-Yeakley
Mike Stair
March 22, 2011
Marilyn,
I am so saddened to read Ralph's Obit. I don't know if you remember me, but I was one of Ralph's junior residents at UAMS. Ralph was the BEST doctor I have ever known and, in fact, he is the main reason that I went into surgery--I wanted to be as good of a doctor as he was (goal never achieved, by the way). He was every bit the "big brother" to me--gentle, caring, brilliant--big heart, big skills, superior problem solving abilities, a truly remakable physician. He was an exemplary person in every way--one worthy of emulation--one of the greatest men I have ever known.
He always had undying love for you and the kids, and it showed in everything he did--he always wanted you to be proud of him and I know that you were. I feel so priveleged to have known him and work with him. I consider him my greatest mentor--and still, to this day, wish that I were more like him. It's been said that a great man reminds you of no one else--well, by that criterium alone, Ralph Ligon was a great man. My heart goes out to you and your daughters.
Ann and Clifford Paschal
March 22, 2011
Dearest Marilyn, Leah and Heather
I was so saddened to read of Ralph's passing. We have such fond memories of our visits with him. He had such a sweet and gentle spirit and that smile was unforgettable. Indeed we were blessed to have known him, although briefly. Our prayer is for God to provide you with courage and strength during the difficult days ahead. We are so sorry for your loss.
Karen Lacewell-Hughes
March 22, 2011
Mrs.Marilyn, Leah, and Heather- I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Ralphs untimely passing! I have very fond memories of him back in the Overbrook days!! I always loved to be around him!!! He adored "his girls"! May each of you find peace in the upcoming days! Love to each of you! Karen
Linda Schekman-Chapman
March 22, 2011
Dearest Marilyn and Family,
May you have strength in the loss of your dear husband, father, grandfather, and my cousin Ralph.
Ken - Bobbie Lacewell
March 22, 2011
Marilyn, Leah and Heather, the Lacewell family of Arkansas send our heartfelt condolences.
Veronica Lozano
March 22, 2011
To The Ligon’s Family,
May God comfort your soul with happy memories of his wonderful life. I feel very fortunate and honored that I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Ligon. He has definitely made a difference in my life and he inspired everyone to be a better person.
March 22, 2011
Marilyn, Leah and Heather, I do not know what to say. Your Dad and husband was a caring man and never hesitated to give a patient as much time as they needed to absorb their diagnosis. I give him credit for my being alive 16 years after cancer. I wish I could be there to give you guys a hug. Rosemary Hughes
Beckye Koberlein-Hendricks
March 22, 2011
Dear Marilyn and Family,
We were so saddened to hear of Ralph.
Being the skilled and gifted surgeon , he saved our father's life at JRMC. We appreciated his caring and professional matter given to our family. We were very blessed to have known Ralph.
You are in our hearts and prayers. Ralph leaves a wonderful legacy .
Norma Alonso
March 22, 2011
Dear Mrs. Ligon,
I wish I had words to comfort and sustain you in your grief, but I know there are none that will take away any pain you are feeling now.
Although words seem useless now in the middle of your sorrow, they are all I have to give you. Please accept these written words as warm hugs, and know that I am holding you and your family in my heart at this sad and difficult time.
With all my love,
Norma Alonso
Phillip Letourneau
March 22, 2011
It was truly an honor to have had the opportunity to train in surgery with Dr. Ligon. He was a remarkable teacher, who instructed with compassion for both patients and trainees. He did it all with a great sense of both duty and humor. He was a great man and role model for all physicians. My thoughts are with his family.
Dick Butler
March 22, 2011
Thought and prayers for Marilyn"Queenie" , Leah and Heather and family. I have many fond memories of such a wonderful gentleman when I lived in Houston. What a great family!!!!!
Mrs. Monique Rene' Nunley
March 22, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
March 22, 2011
DEAR MARILYN AND FAMILY ,
I WORKED WITH DR. LIGON IN SURGERY AT STUTTGART MEMORIAL HOSPITAL.I FELT VERY PRIVILAGED TO BE THE FIRST PERSON AT THE HOSPITAL THAT HE TOLD THAT HE HAD MADE THE DECISION TO RETURN TO SCHOOL FOR A SURGERY RESIDIENCY. THIS OCCURED ABOUT 3 AM WHILE WE WERE DELIVERING A BABY.MANY YEARS LATER HE TOOK VERY GOOD CARE OF MY FATHER AT THE PINE BLUFF HOSPITAL.I RESPECTED HIM AND KNOW HE WILL BE MISSED.PLEASE KNOW THAT MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
SINCERELY, PATSY HAYES STUTTGART, ARKANSAS
Dennis Coop
March 22, 2011
Marilyn and Family, Martha and I are certanly saddened to hear of your loss. Your family blessed ours in many ways while we were neighbors in Stuttgart. We celebrate with you the many contributions Ralph made to his fellow man as a physician and as a citizen. Our prayers accompany you on this difficult part of life's journey. Dennis and Martha Coop.
Thomas Reeves
March 22, 2011
Dear Marilyn and Family, so sadden to hear of Ralph. I remember the pleasure of attending Hendrix with Ralph and then visiting with him at Stuttgart. Simply said, a good man. Please know that our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Showing 1 - 46 of 46 results
1010 Bering Drive, Houston, TX 77057
Make a Donation
in Ralph Ligon's name
How to support Ralph's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Ralph Ligon's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
