I was just thinking of Ralph yesterday and decided to Google him and was saddened to hear of his passing. I first met Ralph when I joined the Steny Hoyer National Guard unit in Waldorf. Unlike most of the people in the unit who lives nearby and was able to go back home each night, I commuted from Culpepper and it just was not worth me driving back to Culpepper just to come back each day. Immediately upon Ralph becoming my supervisor He offered me up his couch and what I believe was his apartment for the Friday and Saturday night I was in town. He did not have to do this but was generally a good guy and always fun to be around. He will be missed

Truly I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Paden Family. I just heard a few days ago of Ralph's passing.  I met Ralph several years ago when we both worked at PEP.  I found Ralph to be very friendly & kind. Not only to our clientele but to staff as well.  He had a pleasant spirit and a warm smile.  Several weeks ago,  I attempted to reach him telephonically, to share a job opportunity, not knowing he had passed.  I am praying that God will give both family & friends peace and comfort during this time. Let Ralph's radiant smile warm your heart whenever you think of him.   
God bless you!  J. Marie Garrett


I'm so sorry to hear of Ralph's passing. We shared a lot of fun times at UMD, living on Easton 7.  His sense of humor and friendliness are two attributes I can quickly recall.  My thoughts and prayers are with his family. 

This is a crushing reminder of how precious good friends are. Ralph was the first person I met at University of Maryland and like everyone else we became great friends and traveled, played a ton of basketball and grew up together. He was a person who genuinely wanted the people around him to be happy and would give everything for that happiness.  Though we lost touch over the years being in different places, he still sent me a note on birthdays and holidays to check in.  I will meet few people in my life that truly care about people like Ralph

The most indelible memory of Ralph is being on spring break of our freshman year, watching the basketball team I grew up rooting for (Uconn)  losing in the NCAA tournament. Believing it was over I decided to stop watching and turned it off. Ralph, every the optimist, made me come back inside, turned on the tv and forced me to watch the final seconds saying "you can't abandon your team, no matter what." 2 seconds later, a full length pass and a miracle shot, I was racing around the yard in excitement.  I think everyone has a story like that about Ralph - 
 him teaching us all to never abandon your team and those you care about.

Ralph's passing especially hurt because we weren't able to connect recently. Though I have a lot of great memories, I can't share them with him and hear him laugh. I'll miss that laugh and I wish I could tell him how much his friendship meant to me. 

My condolences to all who knew and loved Ralph and especially to Raymond and Ralph's parents and family. 

My sincere sympathy to Coach Ralph  Paden, may God Watch over you and the family- ArthurHowardJacksonMBA Class of 1975 & Vice President of Student Government at FHHS.

My sincerest condolences to the entire Paden Family. Biological and extended.  It’s taking me a very long time to express this message because Ralph’s passing has truly been difficult to except. As a member of his extended family, Ralph and I worked at Verizon briefly on the overnight shift.   As a team working overnight finding food or places to eat after midnight were a challenge. We always planned potlucks for the crew to enjoy.  Ralph never brought a dish he was always the cups plates or $$ supplier😊 But his expressions of gratitude to all who did cook were priceless. Ralph definitely had a heartfelt way of expressing his gratitude and appreciation and as the receiver of many of his kind expressions , my heart was so full from his kindness but my world as a whole is a much emptier place now. Ralph and I kept in contact by text on every holiday and birthday especially Veterans Day Easter Christmas etc. he always responded with kindness and you can feel the smile and warmth from his replies coming through the text. The hardest part of this past holiday season was picking up my phone to send out messages and texts to everyone and getting ready to send one to Ralph as well. The last time we messaged was Thanksgiving and I will be forever Thankful that Ralph replied . I had to catch myself on both Christmas and New Year’s. 😞I’ll close by saying I am grateful to the God I serve that HE gave Ralph to this world to be a beacon of kindness and sincerity generosity and warmth dedication and most of all LOVE ! Ralph, I truly am grateful our paths crossed and YOU  a part of my life..Forever! Rest peacefully 🙏🏼

My condolences to the Paden family. Keeping you in prayer.

My condolences, love, prayers, and sympathy goes out to the Paden Family! We are here for you during this time! Please reach to us!

It's been incredibly difficult to say goodbye to you MSG Paden. You were always so present in all our lives in C company that it seems impossible to picture life without you.  There was no one like you, being a shining and smiling example to all of us troops and leaders. I remembered you for so long as  our 1SG over the years and then our senior advisor. I thank you for all the talks and love you shared with us! You gave us all your time! The handshake formation, smiles, hugs, and how much of the family spirit you put into everything with the work you did at our unit. I have never seen someone so dedicated to others as an NCO!

I still cannot believe you are gone but we know you are with us all in spirit! We will miss you always! This was the most painful loss for us!

Commanding,
CPT Pagan

My condolences to the Paden family, Ralph was my great great-cousin, his mother and I are first cousins. Mae has always described to me her fondness and love of her grandchildren. Ralph with his bright smile and a heart that deeply cares for others will truly be missed. Glynis Robertson

Please accept my condolences and my prayers that God comforts you in this time of mourning. I mourn with you at this time as my good friend has closed his eyes for the final time. I can't begin to express the feelings of loss that I current feel. He was more than a friend, to me, he was a brother. We had a moments and shared many laughs. Needless to say, his friendship can never be replaced. Coach Paden, please accept my condolences, I know there are no words which I can state that will give  you the comfort you will need as the days go by. Please know that I am praying for you and the entire family (biological/extended). And if nothing else, know that Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can not heal. God Bless you all.

Knight, Brian R. (MAJ/R) 
Maryland Army National Guard

Elder, Church of God In Christ

Picture below taken at a dinner when we were at Fort Hood, TX

My condolences to the  Paden Family.  I worked with Ralph at Verizon. He would always speak whenever I saw him and we would talk briefly. Ralph was such a gentleman. Once he left Verizon, we stayed in touch during the holidays via text messages. I didn’t get a text on this past Thanksgiving for him, but I thought of him. I wish I’d reached out to him. His contagious smile and laughter along with his kindness will be missed. To be absent from the body is to be present with the  Lord (2  Corinthians 5:8)

I am sorry it has taken me so long to write this.  I have tried to think of something to say and i find myself unable to finish.  I met Ralph in college and our love for the Terps and having a good time united us.  He even made the long journey to Massachusetts over the years although not as often as i would have liked.
His passing was crushing to me and others who knew him.  He was a kind and gentle, yet passionate, soul.  The world will not be the same without him but it was better for having known him.  He often thought of others and I am proud to have had him as a friend even though i didn't see him as much as we could have.  His passing is further complicated during these difficult times where proper gatherings to celebrate his life are not possible.
Rest easy Ralph and I will see you on the other side. Go Terps.

Ralph and the Paden Family:

Please accept my deepest condolences on the  loss of your son.
May memories of him and the love of family and friends bring you comfort in the days to come.   

Sincerely,
Bettye Briscoe  


My sincerest condolences to Coach Paden and Family, May God bless you and grant you peace during this time of healing. Your FHHS Family Loves you! 🙏🏼💗🕊

Coach Paden and family so sorry for your loss my prayers are with you 

Coach Paden and I have been very good friends for over fifty years.  I remember when Tiger was born, and I have watched him grow into a fine man.  His dad has always been very proud of his sons!  The loss of Tiger is so sad.  My heart goes out to Ralph Senior, Mae, and Raymond, and the rest of the family.

Coach, I am praying for you and your family. Play

So sorry for your loss I not what a great man he was I no he was a God sent man loved by everyone one he loved his family and friends with all his heart her loved his Mother so much and all support she gave him he was a man of faith did what ever he could to help others I don’t no why he went home but I no that heaven  got a new angle 

I am so sorry to hear of your passing. I have known you since you were 3 or 4 yrs old coming to Fairmont Height High basket practice with your dad. You have become a great man and well respected among your family and peers. R.I.P

This is not goodbye but will see you again and hear that great laugh in heaven my good friend 1SGT Ralph Paden. I will truly miss you and your guidance. Words can’t express how truly thankful I am that you came into my life. As my 1SG of my Command you always gave me such respect and guidance not just as a young officer but as a friend. You always made me feel that you were proud of me. I hear you Top and I will follow. God speed my friend.  Heavens been waiting for you, You will always be my anchor and my support. 
LTC Monica McGrath 
Virginia National Guard 

Each day, I always looked forward to your early morning "Good Morning" texts. They started my day on the right track and brought joy to them. I've missed your texts these past few days and I will forever miss you. Thank you for being a great friend to me. Rest Well King -Lori

May memories ease your sorrow. May time bring you peace. So sorry for your loss. 
Kathy and David Sharpless 

I have lost my little brother!
We have lost an outstanding man, so kind, so humble,  so good, so loving, so caring.
I love you, you have left us to soon!
Leroy Tony Watkins 

I had the pleasure of working with Ralph at Verizon.  He always smiled.  He always had kind words to speak.  You don’t find many people who are always willing to support you but Ralph was all of the above.  Thank you Ralph for your kind actions from daily encounters to serving our country.  Please Rest In Peace, you will indeed be missed by your Verizon family.  

This is so sad to hear, Ralph, our hearts go out to your family. We didn’t talk much, but you were a great friend to many. The last time we all talked was at the 5th during the dance  for Dad’s and Daughters, you and Lani were looking ever so fresh. I’m so grateful to have been able to meet you, you will truly be missed. 

The Denise’s 

You have showed us all the way to living a better life. That life is tough, but if you spend a little time helping one another that most problems can be fixed and that it always begins with a smile. You have showed us this by your own example and we will never forget that. Rest well Ralph, and thank you for improving my life and the lives of so many others

1SGT Paden was the epitome of what an NCO should be.  He was kind and an overall nice man.   He will be missed.  Condolences to his family.   

Thank you for being the light in the room.   Your smile contagious no matter how stressful of an environment we found ourselves in.   Heaven gained a true angel!   I will miss you Top.   Thoughts and prayers cover your family; may your star shine bright forever as we pick up the baton and navigate life.  ❤️

Thank you for teaching me how to be patient in the midst of calm. It was a honor to have you as a mentor. Your smile will be missed. 

Domeakia Snyder

MSG Paden was one of the finest NCOs I’ve ever served with.  He truly cared about his soldiers and he brought a smile to the face of anyone he met.  When we were deployed to Kuwait in 2017, I always remember seeing him out supporting the troops.  It didn’t matter what it was, a soccer match, a ruck match, a talent show, if there was a soldier competing in something then he was there cheering them on.  I will always remember that smile and that optimism he carried with him.  You will truly be missed, Ralph. 

Thank you for your guidance and your friendship. I will miss seeing your smile and hearing your laugh. 

My condolences to your family. 

My mentor and friend. Always there when I needed advice or to stir me in the right direction to success. I will truly miss your guidance. What an amazing person you are. 

I was fortunate to have worked with MSG Paden since 2015 and on deployment.  MSG Paden’s immense care and concern for his and many times, my Soldiers, always stood out as a leader dedicated to his principles and values.  

MSG Paden will be greatly missed but his sense of humor and ability to bring a smile to any Soldier even in their darkest moments, will live on in the hearts and minds of those of us he touched.  

I would like to express my most sincere condolences to his family for their loss.    

SGM Juan Acosta, MDARNG, Ret.

1SG Paden or "TOP"  was  one of those few outstanding NCOs that have graces my 32 year military career.  My time working with "Top" were some of my favorite memories. We who worked with "Top" are truly blessed  to have been associated with this exceptional NCO.  I'm so sorry  for your loss way before his time.  But, I'm blessed for the time "Top" and I with spent together and  will remember those memories.

CW4 Jeffrey Stahlman USAR RET.

Whenever I thought of an example of an NCO or soldier Ralph Paden was the best version. He was the very first person that came to me when I found out that my mother had passed. We had just returned from a long two week Annual Training exercise and when he found out that I was on the ground with grief he came to me and comforted me not as a leader but as a friend. I served with him in two different Maryland Guard units he made Guard weekends so much better with his smile, warmth and friendship. I can barely type this message without thinking of all the great years we served together. I will continue to cry tears of joy for knowing him and remembering all the good times he brought to my life and to so many others. It will be hard to imagine a world without Ralph Paden. I pray that this message gives comfort to his family. 

I send out my prayers and condolences. I will miss our long conversations about family, life, movies, sports and work. I still remember our study sessions preparing for our exams at Bowie State University. Our last communication to one another was during the Washington vs Steelers game. I will truly miss our friendship and time shared together. RIP.

Ralph,

Was one of the most moving and motivational people that was apart of my life. He mentored me while we were deployed during 2017 and all of that good advice and mentor ship led to me building the up guts to marry my wife, purse entrepreneurship and constantly strive for greatness.  He was one of the most sentimental people I’ve met in my life. I hope we meet again old friend. Rest Easy 

Lawson

MSG Paden embodied the most important trait in a NCO- he cared about people. He was one of my most cherished mentors as a leader in our organization. Even when careers took us separate ways, never a holiday or too long went by without him reaching out just to ask how I was.  He truly lit up a room, made people feel at ease, and was someone that if I knew he was there, we’d all be okay. His smile, his energy, his care will be so missed. Praying for the family and close ones to be comforted at this time. What a beautiful soul Heaven has gained. 

I remember him as 1SG Paden. He was a kind, humbled man who was more than willing to share insight and knowledge to me as a newly commissioned officer in the Maryland Army National Guard out of Towson, MD.  I will always remember his big smile, sense of humor and loyalty to his fellow soldiers. I am so sorry for your loss, and I pray you find peace during this difficult time. 

MAJ Kristin Wudtke (maiden name Kuhns) 
US Army Reservist 


OBITUARIO

Ralph Cothran Paden Jr.

3 octubre, 1971 – 17 diciembre, 2020

Fort Lincoln Funeral Home & Cemetery

Muestre su apoyo

Comparta Un Recuerdo

Comparta
Un Obituario

Obtenga actualizaciones

Servicios