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RALPH HATLEY Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for RALPH HATLEY
John Harp
August 25, 2024
I had the extreme privilege of working with Ralph at Rhodes College in the early `90s. A young professional starting a new job, I had driven a rental truck straight from South Carolina arriving after dark on a steamy Memphis July night. Ralph happened to be the first person I met. The Director of Campus Safety. He rolled up his sleeves and helped me unload. The next day he took me to lunch.
As I met other colleagues over the next few weeks and began to work with Ralph, the context of who Ralph was became more clear. He wasn´t just a big, kind man who helped me. He was a big, kind man who helped everyone. And over the three years I worked with Ralph, I discovered that he was a multi-dimensional, multi-talented person who had lived and was leading an incredible life. He had a monumental, positive presence without an ounce of pretentiousness. He prized his family, and he valued his work.
During those formative years of working with Ralph. I learned so much from his examples. In one particularly difficult moment, I jotted a note for myself and posted it at my desk where only I could see it. It read "Be like Ralph!" No elaboration on what those three words meant was necessary, because I knew Ralph, like you knew Ralph.
As I ascended through my career, the "Be like Ralph!" note traveled with me to different colleges and a different state. It was posted in each office I inhabited, and like a compass I had glanced at it for guidance for 33 years. I took the note down last Friday when I retired. As I reflected on everything that is meant by the note, and I reflected on Ralph, I realized the following: no moment was too big for Ralph Hatley, and no person was too small.
I´ll frame the note and hang it in my home. And I´ll keep trying to "Be like Ralph!".
Whitten Ortega
May 12, 2023
I was thinking about my co-worker Ralph Hatley today, May 12, 2023. His date of leaving this world is close to my wedding anniversary. I knew Officer Hatley because he was one of my instructors at the police academy. Ralph always encouraged me as a recruit to be a good policeman. And i looked up to him for his words of encouragement. God Bless his family who carries on his legacy.
Charles Matthews
May 12, 2022
Ps.23 With Love in Jesus' Name.
Andy Ward
June 8, 2011
Mrs. Hatley and family,
I only recently learned of Coach's passing. My deepest sympathies to you all. Coach was a great man and role model that I looked up to as I grew up. I learned many life lessons from him from my time with him playing for the Colts that I still carry to this day. He will be greatly missed!
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June 1, 2011
Miriam and family, So Sorry to hear of Ralph's passing. Though I had not heard from Ralph in several months I suspected he was sick. A great man and leader, he was well respected by all. Special times in the MPD academy and working WEST midnights. These are my fondest memories of Ralph. Never afraid to help people and fight for justice!!!
June 1, 2011
My friend Ralph, A true friend and role model. Great times working @ MPD. You will be missed!!
Rick Joynt
David Saks
May 20, 2011
You'll always be missed, Ralph.
May 20, 2011
Dear Miriam & family:
Please know my thoughts & prayers are with you. I got to know Ralph during my time as a Rhodes undergrad (91-95) & stayed in touch with him over the years, as I began a career in higher education. Ralph has always been & always will be the standard by which I measure all security professionals. he meant a great deal to me & so many others.
Bryan Coker
Jacksonville University (Florida)
May 19, 2011
Dear Miriam,
I am so sorry. I have not been in touch with the two of you for way too long and was shocked and saddened by this news. Please know that we have you in our thoughts and prayers. Ralph was a great man and a wonderful servant. The world is less of a place without him!
Tom Shandley
Charles Matthews
May 19, 2011
To Mr.Ralph Lee Hatley sweetheart,Miriam Hatley as you go through this monment of Grief.I'm hurting,Lord I need your comfort. With everything inside of me,I cry out for your love.Comfort me,Holy Spirit.Help me through this grieving process.This is the worst feeling in the world,and Iknow that nothing eles will help me now.I feel like a part of me is gone.I've tried to mike it seem likeI am okay,but I am not.I am crying out for someone to fix what has been broken in my heart.You, Lord,can make me whole again.You,Jesus,can see throughthe facade,past my emotions,to my heart.And you can show your love to me in a way that I'venever seen before.
I know that this grife is a process.I'm not asking that you take this away.I'm just asking that you stay with me through the pain.I'm asking that you would hold me in your arms and whisper to me how much you love me.Lord,thank you for the memories and for the promise that I will see, Ralph, again someday
Anne and John Hill
May 19, 2011
John and I have very fond memories of Ralph. He was the kind of person, whom we were always delighted to see, and we missed his visits when you went on to another position. The city is lessened without him. Our thoughts are with you and your boys.
Anne and John Hill
Mark Benskin
May 19, 2011
I am very sorry to hear of Ralph's passing...He was a good team-mate and friend...my prayers are with you.
May 19, 2011
Kyle,
My condolences on your father's death. He sounds like a very remarkable man. You were lucky to have him as long as you did.
Ron Schaeffer
Patricia Lantrip
May 19, 2011
I'm am so very sorry to hear of Ralph's passing. This is truly a sad time for all who knew this wonderful man and his family. I first met this awesome family when I was a small child going to Blessed Sacrament school and church and later became their babysitter. The love of family I saw from Ralph is something i have always strived for in my life. I was blessed to know him and his family. The world has lost a great man.
ANGELA BAXTER
May 19, 2011
WE're the Public Safety at Fisk University (Nashville,Tn)We're the group that Mr.Hatley started before he left to go back home to Memphis.Our Heart and Prayers go out to the Family May God Bless you all.Mickey,Angela ,Timmy,Thomas,Betty, Charles,Jamie,Lopez ,Eric,Gabriel,Calvin.
Ben Roberts
May 18, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.I have not seen any of you in many years but the fond memories that coach and your family will live with me forever! He will always be remembered as a great man!
ANGELA BAXTER
May 18, 2011
WE'RE SO SAD ABOUT MR.HATLEY PASSING .WHAT A GREAT BOSS HE WAS AT FISK UNIVERSITY(NASHVILLE,TN)WE ARE SO GLADY THAT WE HAD THE TIME WITH HIM.WE WILL NEVER FORGET NO MATTER WHAT HE WILL ALWAY BE REMBER AND NEVER FORGOTTEN AT FISK.WE LOVE YOU ALL FISK PUBLIC SAFETY MICKEY,ANGELA,BETTY,CALVIN,CHARLES TOMMY,ERIC,JAMIE,LOPEZ,GABRIEL,TIMMY.
Pat Massey
May 18, 2011
Miriam, You probably don't remember me. My name is Pat Massey. Ralph and I attended school together at Colonial Junior High. We both signed at Memphis State to play football. You & Ralph and me & my wife Lana double dated a couple of times during 1971-72. I learned of Ralph's passing on Channel 5 this morning and as everyone else was surprised and saddened. Even with a lack of contact for these many years, I can echo the feelings so many others have adequately stated before me. He was an encourager, a man who put others before himself and a real servant. Lana and I prayed for you and Ralph this morning and will continue to do so as you and your family transition on with out him. I am thankful to have had him in my life and to have been his team mate.
Sincerely,
Pat and Lana Massey
Lisa Ralph-Lyon
May 18, 2011
I have so many fond memories from way back. My Dad and Mr. Davis coached the softball team for a couple of years back in the day (W.B. Davis Electric Supply) and he was really such a "bear" back then. Enjoyed seeing him progress through life doing what he loved. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your friends and family. I am familiar with the pain of losing someone much too soon.
Arch Yancey Jr.
May 18, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Lisa Frank
May 18, 2011
Miriam, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your children have been in my constant thoughts and prayers over the last few days. Lean heavily on your friends and loved ones during this very difficult time, it truly will help you. I lost my mother in January of this year and my faith in God and the wonderful love my mother and I had for one another has truly comforted me and brought me peace. I hope you too will find that it helps you to cope. Hugs to you.... Love, Lisa Frank
Donna Thomas
May 18, 2011
Miriam - I was shocked to learn of Ralph's passing and was deeply saddened. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Heaven surely has gained a wonderful angel.
Lt. John T. Dwyer (MPD-Ret.)
May 18, 2011
From my early days at CBHS, to midnights at the West Precinct, to the Training Academy...Ralph was always around.
Being good natured and having a quiet dignified humility, with a tremendous amount of personal integrity. These were his hallmarks.
Some people profess a level and even playing field for everyone...Ralph lived it! He was the epitome of the words "true sportsman". One of those great and wonderful people we will remember all of our lives, and be grateful we got to know for a little while!
Clyde E. "Gene" & Sylvia C. Currie
May 18, 2011
To The Hatley Family,
Thank you all for sharing Ralph with us!! He was my class couselor when I was in the Police Academy!! The things he taught me in the academy not only made me a good officer, they made me an all around better man!!! My wife and I are lifting you up in prayer during your time of bereavement. Ralph will be truly missed by us all. He was a true gentle giant!! Blessings to you all now and always!!!
Patricia Freire
May 18, 2011
Miriam, my deepest sympathy to you and the boys. You are in my prayers at this difficult time.
Patricia Freire
Betty Pate
May 18, 2011
Dear Miriam, Adam, and family,
Jim and I were so sorry to hear of Ralph's death today. He was always such a strong person. All of you will be in our thoughts and prayers during these difficult days as you grieve your loss. I'll e-mail Jamie to let him know. He and his wife and children live in Shepherdtown, WV, outside of Washington, DC. We hope to see you tonight at the funeral home.
Always,
Betty and Jim Pate
Lewis Lechleiter
May 18, 2011
Miriam,
Pat and I were so saddened to hear the news from the Cobles. I remember so many times passing your house leaving the Ivawood neighborhood and seeing you and Ralph working in the yard. He always had a smile on his face and stopped to wave.
He will be missed and thought of every time I think of the old Ivawood neighborhood.
Tom Neiman
May 18, 2011
I grew up with Ralph at St. Luke's United Methodist Church. We played little league baseball together. Ralph was witty, outgoing, and fun to be around. He was an all-around athlete like his dad. May God's grace, mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to his wife, sons, and grandchildren in this time of loss.
Tony Falasca
May 18, 2011
Larger then Life!! He did more in one life time than 4 Men could do!
He will be Trully Missed!
Bevan B. Bell
May 18, 2011
I got to spend time with Ralph as an actor on sets as well as a friend. He was an absolute joy to be around - funny, caring, sweet, and brutally honest. I was able to share some of the best moments of my life with people that were able to enjoy them equally, and Ralph made those days better. I'm so sorry that he is gone. He truly is an original. Like everyone, I wish that we had more time to spend. I will always consider him a dear friend.
Alison Clayton
May 18, 2011
Miriam,
I am so sorry to hear of your husband Ralph's passing. I know this though he was well loved by you and the family and friends he has and that he returned that love full force...God bless you and your family. Alison Clayton
Joe Roberts
May 18, 2011
Miriam,
We will never forget all the wonderful times we shared with Ralph and yourself while Ralph was coaching the " St. Ann Colts ". What a great guy and friend. Most people will never know how he touched and helped to form those young men and their adult lives . Both of you impacted our lives in so many ways. He will be sorely missed by a multitude of people especially those of us who love both of you so much. God Bless. ( Joe and Jane Roberts Family ) ( Darlington SC )
Tina Castro
May 18, 2011
He will be missed....God Bless and prayers are with his family during this very hard time! Heaven has another angel!
Dona McLeskey
May 18, 2011
I work at Fisk University and always thought of Ralph as "larger than life". He was a wonderful man and a joy to know...I'm so sad to know of his passing. His family was blessed to have him and will treasure their memories I'm sure. God Bless You All.
May 18, 2011
Miriam, I am so sorry for your loss. I remember ALL the fun times we had together when working at NewSouth :) You, the boys and your family are in my prayers.
Shannon Bruno Hoff
Jane Roberts
May 18, 2011
Mimi,
Nancy called yesterday with the news about Ralph. The world has lost a truly remarkable man and the influence that he made on our family especially Ben is one that we will never forget. I shed my tears for you and the kids but at the same time I think of all the fun we had together. He and Joe being the ring leaders of the Halloween party at our house for the football team, the times at St. Ann's, the fire in the back of the pickup truck with the grill, Andy Ward and Ben and so many more. I wish Joe and I could be with you during this week but distance doesn't allow that. Mimi, don't loose the spirit you have. You always had a saying that not too many people shared..can't print it here but you know what it is... We love you and you and your family are in our prayers.
John Askew
May 18, 2011
Mrs. Hatley,
I meet Ralph during the opening of the Peabody Orlando Hotel as he came down from Memphis to assist the team here.
Ralph was a tremedous help during those crazy/exhausting days of getting this property reopened. I know without a doubt the opening would not have been as successful as it was if not for the efforts your husband put forth.
Great heros like Raply are difficult to find these days. It was my honor and pleasure to have met and worked with him here at the Peabody Orlando.
My sincere condolences to you and your family.
May 18, 2011
Miriam,
Ralph told me so much about you and the boys that I feel like I know you all. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. I didn't know Ralph long but I feel like I knew him well. His contributions to the Peabody Orlando and especially our Security Dept were immense during our re opening last Fall. Thank you so much for letting us have him all of those weeks. He made a huge impact on everyone he met here. God Bless you all, you are in my prayers. If your travels ever bring you to Orlando please call on us.
Sincerely,
Fred Prassack
Director of Security
JIm Nichols`
May 18, 2011
An Honorable Christian man, whose superior leadership skills & capabilities have guided so many of us to flourish by trying to instill those cardinal virtues of fortitude, prudence, temperance & justice. His faith in Christ was shown through as an example for everyone who knew him to accept a personal relationship with the Jesus, the Messiah! We will meet again in that house not made with hands. You will be greatly missed, but never forgotten! You were my Friend!
Jim Weatherly
May 18, 2011
I am so sorry to hear of Ralph's passing. I knew Ralph when we were attending St. Luke's United Methodist Church back in the 60's and 70's and I always enjoyed talking with him. My condolences to Ralph's family.
Jim Ryan
May 18, 2011
Miriam, I am totally shocked and saddened by this loss. I will always remember Ralph, you and the family in daily prayers. I am in Alabama and will not be able to make any of the arrangements, but when I heard of Ralph's passing I had to write. My love to you and the family.
Jim Ryan
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