Dec. 14, 1957 – Sept. 16, 2017

NATCHEZ —Ralph Roscoe Tedder, 59, of Natchez, died Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017, at his residence following a brave battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS.)

He donated his body to science at the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Medicine.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Ralph was born Dec. 14, 1957, in Natchez, the son of Hugh and Camille Tedder.

He was a lifelong resident of Mississippi. He has now joined the heavenly Father in a joyous reunion with his mother, dad and brother, Hugh Tedder Jr.

Mr. Tedder was enrolled at Mississippi State University in 1975 and later transferred to the University of Southern Mississippi, where he received a bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation management in 1980, and a master’s degree in parks and recreation administration in 1984.

He first became Natchez recreation director in 1984, and left a year later to join the McComb Recreation Department. He served as McComb’s assistant recreation director and later director until 1989. He rejoined the Natchez Recreation Department in 1993, where he served as director for 17 years until his retirement in 2010.

Mr. Tedder’s accomplishments as director of parks and recreation included the upgrade of Natchez’ deteriorated playgrounds and raising nearly $700,000 in donations and grants to improve the city’s recreation programs.

Survivors include his wife, Rita Tedder; one son, Marcus Doss and wife, Teri; three grandsons, Andrew, Brandon and Camden; one brother, Barry Tedder and wife, Lisa; one nephew, Cameron; three nieces, Grace, Camille Chiaramonte and husband, Adam, and Susannah Ingram and husband, Jacob; and one great-nephew, Parker Hugh Ingram.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Dr. Chuck Borum and the staff at Hospice Compassus for their special care during Ralph’s illness. Special thanks also to Donnie Dodge and Rescue Ministries for their love, prayers and support.

Memorial donations may be made to the ALS Association Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter, 11725 Industriplex Blvd., Suite 3, Baton Rouge, LA 70809-5190 in memory of Ralph Roscoe Tedder.