Obituary of Ralph Sanford Tedder

Psalm 116:15, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." Ralph's great desire to see Jesus was realized Thursday, March 3, when he passed away peacefully with his family by his side. He is now fully whole and enjoying his new home. Ralph was born July 14, 1939, in Marion, Indiana, to parents, Helen McAtee and Sanford Tedder. He was raised as a farm boy in Indiana. After high school graduation and serving in the US Army for 3 years, he moved to Michigan where he attended Midwestern Baptist College. It was there he met his wife Raydell, and they were married in 1966. After graduating, he served various churches in Michigan, Connecticut, and Massachusetts as a youth pastor and pastor. He also started Twin City Christian School in Lunenburg, Massachusetts. Ralph's life was dedicated to loving God and sharing this love with others - he never met a stranger! He was full of life, and he enjoyed encouraging others and bringing some joy and sometimes something silly into their day. Because of Ralph's passion for Christian education, in 1980 he moved his family to Greenville, SC, so that his children could attend Southside Christian School. He later served at the school in several positions including being chaplain for the athletic department. The unselfish act he did to put his family first has left a legacy to continue his good work. He leaves behind in his legacy his wife of 55 years, Raydell; their 3 children, Paul Tedder and his wife Amy; Karina Whisnant and her husband Kyle; and Amy Jo Nodine and her husband Jason. His legacy also continues with his grandchildren: Daniel Tedder and his wife Paige, Rayanne Blevins and her husband Alex, Andrew Tedder, Alexander Whisnant, Alisha Whisnant, and Dawson Nodine. There will be a celebration of life service Saturday, March 12, at 1 p.m. in Auditorium 2 at Fellowship Greenville. Visitation will be before the service in the Commons Area from 11:30 to 12:45. For those who cannot attend in person, the service will be livestreamed. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Rooted and Rising Capital Campaign at Southside Christian School or to Fellowship Greenville: https://www.fellowshipgreenville.org/givenow - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6CGzZlKfHI