Ralph Niles Murdaugh died early Thursday morning, October 6, 2022.
He was born on August 2, 1932, in Bemis, Tennessee, the son of the late Jesse and Exie Lee Newman Murdaugh. He was married to his wife of 59 years, Jean Murdaugh, who preceded him in death.
Ralph served his country in the United States Army entering in 1949, becoming a member of the 82nd Airborne, where he served in Korea with the 187th Airborne. He continued his service until being honorably discharged in 1953.
In 1968 Ralph joined the City of Jackson Fire Department where he rose to the rank of District Chief. He was a strong union leader for the Jackson Firefighters Association Local 1850 and was President of the Tennessee Professional Firefighters Association from 1987 until 1991. He retired from the Jackson Fire Department with twenty-seven years of service. Ralph also served as a part-time employee with the Madison County Sheriff’s Department for forty-two years. He was a member of the VFW and held numerous offices at VFW Post 1848 including commander from 1999 until 2010.
He is survived by one brother, Charles Murdaugh; four sons. Glenn Murdaugh and wife Sandy, Mark Murdaugh and wife Lona, Tony Murdaugh and wife Lisa and Guy Murdaugh and wife Mary, as well as six grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.
Along with his wife and parents, Ralph was preceded in death by two sisters, Vadis Ann Anthony, and Betty Anderson.
SERVICES: A graveside service with military honors will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 10, 2022, at Highland Memorial Gardens, with Rev. Richard Bragg of Poplar Height Baptist Church officiating.
Arrington Funeral Directors, 148 W. University Parkway, Jackson, TN 38305
731.668.1111
www.arringtonfuneralgroup.com