Rev. Thomas Ray Pemberton's Obituary
Funeral Service for Rev. Thomas Ray Pemberton, 83, of Dadeville, Alabama, will be Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 1:00 pm at the Chapel of Langley Funeral Home. Mr. Robb Scofield will officiate. Burial will follow in the Tallapoosa County Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at Langley Funeral Home.
Rev. Thomas Ray Pemberton, a loving, selfless, and intelligent Christian servant, passed away on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Russell Medical, leaving behind a legacy of faith, devotion, and service that touched countless lives.
Rev. Pemberton was born on June 26, 1942, in Alexander City, Alabama, to Tom Pemberton and Annie Blake Pemberton. He grew up with the values of hard work, kindness, and responsibility, qualities that would guide him throughout his life and ministry. Those who knew him best will remember a man whose steady presence, warm heart, and genuine concern for others reflected the character of a life well lived.
He was a devoted family man who treasured the people God placed in his life. He is survived by his daughters, Tracey P. Harrelson and her husband Shawn, and Christie H. Sanders and her husband Brandon Farrow; his niece, Misha Cherry and her husband Don; his nephew, Robb Scofield and his wife Pam; his grandchildren, Karleigh E. Hamby and her husband Jackson Baker, Shauna L. Harrelson and her husband Carson, Thomas K. Hamby, Madison H. Reese and her husband Kennon, Annah H. Welcher and her husband Michael, Riley Farrow, Curtis R. Sanders, and Connor D. Sanders; and his great-grandchildren, Gunnar Baker, Lynn-Leigh Goggins, Kyler Hamby, Braxton Baker, Baxleigh Baker, Kennon Parker Reese, Makenna Clarke Reese, Michael Woods Welcher and Jack Harrelson McClendon, as well as sister-in-law, Sue Gulledge and her husband Carroll. He also joyfully anticipated the arrival of Jett Welcher. He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews. His family was the center of his heart, and he found great joy in spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Rev. Pemberton was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sandra K. Pemberton, whose memory remained dear to him throughout his life. He was also preceded in death by his parents; his granddaughter, Kayla H. Goggins; his grandson, Dylan W. Hamby; his brother, Harland Blake; and his sisters, Elizabeth Compton and Nancy Gail Scofield. The bonds of family were deeply important to him, and he carried both the joy and sorrow of those relationships with grace and faith.
Education and personal achievement were important parts of his journey. He graduated from Alexander City Junior College with an associate’s degree and made the dean’s list, a reflection of his dedication and discipline. He also graduated from the police academy, preparing him for a life of public service that would extend far beyond a single role or title. His commitment to learning and service helped shape the many ways he contributed to his community.
Rev. Pemberton served as pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Dadeville for 35 years, where he faithfully ministered to generations of families and became a trusted spiritual leader, counselor, and friend. His ministry was marked by compassion, consistency, and a deep love for the Lord. He was a Christian in every sense of the word, and his life was a testimony to the power of faith lived out through service to others. In addition to his pastoral work, he was the first DARE officer in Tallapoosa County and also served as chaplain for the sheriff’s department. Through these roles, he made a lasting impact on young people, law enforcement officers, and the broader community, offering guidance, encouragement, and a calm, reassuring presence.
He enjoyed life’s simple pleasures and found happiness in the outdoors and in time spent with loved ones. He was an avid fisherman who appreciated the peace and patience that came with the sport. He also enjoyed playing golf, watching NASCAR, and riding motorcycles. At home, he cherished the companionship of his canine friend, Baby Dog, who brought him comfort and joy. These interests reflected a man who valued both adventure and quiet moments, and who knew how to enjoy the blessings of each day.
Rev. Thomas Ray Pemberton will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his devotion to family, and his lifelong commitment to serving others. His life was marked by kindness, humility, and strength, and his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who loved him. Though he will be deeply missed, the example he set and the love he shared will remain a lasting source of comfort and inspiration.
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