Obituary of Ralph Reid Todd

RALPH R. TODD. LT. COL.. US ARMY. RET. OF CAROLINA MEADOWS. CHAPEL HILL. NC DIED July 10, 2012 • He was 99 AGE. Todd was born in Tabor City, NC but grew up in Greensboro, NC. He graduated from Greensboro High School (now Grimsley HS). He earned his undergraduate degree by attendance at Guilford College, NC.; Georgia State Univ.; University of Metz, France; Sophia University, Tokyo, Japan; and the University of Maryland. He earned a graduate degree from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. From the 1920s and into the mid 1930s he was a professional musician. Also, during the latter part of this period and until July, 1942 he worked with the Texaco Oil Company, Greensboro, NC. He then, in July, 1942 entered the military. He was a career soldier in the US Army until his retirement in April, 1966. In WWII he participated in the following campaigns: Normandy Beach Landings, Campaigns of Northern France, Central Europe and the Rhineland Offensive. These were with General Patton's Third Army and General Patch's Seventh Army. Later, in the 1950s, Todd participated in the Korean War. This action was in the Summer-Fall Offensive, the 2nd Korean Winter, and the Korean-Fall Offensive 1952 Campaigns. His other foreign military assignments were: Tokyo, Japan; Ankara, Turkey; Verdun and Orleans, France. He also served at military posts in the following states in the US:'The Pentagon, Washington, D.C., State of Georgia, State of New Mexico, State of Maryland and State of Pennsylvania. Example of some missions assigned: 62nd Ammunition Bn., with mission to furnish 3rd Army ammunition in WWII Europe; Commanding Officer of 192 Ordnance Battalion, Pusan Korea with mission to furnish equipment/supplies to our troops during Korean War; Special Advisory Group to Turkish Army during Cold War, stationed in Ankara, Turkey; Commanding Officer, Fort Wingate, New Mexico and Commanding Officer, Letterkenny Army Depot, back-up supplier to forces in Europe through the New York Port. Upon retirement from the military Todd worked with the Durham County School Systems for twelve years. Also, upon military retirement he served on the Town Council, and then as Mayor, of Pinehaven Village, NC, a resort area (where he had a 2nd home). Todd moved to Carolina Meadows, Chapel, NC, a retirement facility, in 1987. There he served on several committees and for two terms as Representative for his Precinct. He was also member of the Carolina Meadows Pit Orchestra which accompanied the residents at their Sing-A-Longs ' Todd continued his musical interests throughout his life. He played with groups for dances at numerous military functions and in Church settings. He was a charter member of the Chapel Hill Community Concert Band and a member of the Durham Community Concert Band and in both for many years. Todd has participated in church life during his life span. In addition to participation in military chapels he has been a member of four non-military churches. In these he has taught Sunday School classes, been Church Treasurer, Sunday School Superintendent and helped organize and played in Church Orchestras. At the time of his death Todd was a member of the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, Chapel Hill, NC, The American Legion, Disabled American Veteran's, The Sons of Confederate Veterans, and The Military Officers Association of America. He was married for 55 years to Lois E. Shields of Greensboro, NC, now deceased, who travelled with him throughout most of his military career. He is survived by his loving family consisting of two daughters: Mrs. Patricia A. Osborne, Davidson, NC and Mrs Karen S. Draudt and her husband, Dr. David Draudt, of Roanoke, Va.; two granddaughters, Mrs Norma Kelley and her husband Michael Kelly of New Bern, NC and Dr. Elaine Osborne Harris and her husband Gray Harris, Huntersville, NC; one grandson, Kevin Draudt of Roanoke, Va.; 2 great grandsons, John Kelley and Michael Kelley of New Bern, NC. He also had loving friends, Debbie White of Greensboro, nc, Lillian Moore of Roxboro, nc, and Laura Oakley of Durham, NC. Funeral arrangements are by Walker's Funeral Home, 120 W. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC, Tel (919) 942-3861. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, 2016 Mt Carmel Church Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27517 or UNC Hospice, Pittsboro, NC 27312. Funeral services will be at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church at 11:AM Saturday July 14th, 2012. The family will receive guests one hour prior the service. Interment will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Cemetery.