David Ketchum

David Ketchum, a beloved son of Tippah County and native of Ripley, Mississippi, was born on July 26, 1974. On Friday, August 7, 2025, he departed this life peacefully at his home in Dallas, Texas, leaving behind a legacy of brilliance, kindness, and laughter that touched countless lives. A Celebration of Life Service will be held from 10 AM until 3 PM on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the Ripley Funeral Home Chapel, where family and friends will gather to share stories, honor his memory, and celebrate the remarkable life of a man who gave so much of himself to others. David was proud to graduate from Ripley High School in 1992, where he was active in the band and tennis team, helping lead Ripley to the win at the Tombigbee Tennis Conference. He treasured the leadership of his band director, Mr. Willard Taylor, and the mentorship of Coach Ed Conner-lessons in discipline, camaraderie, and striving to exceed one's "last best" that David carried throughout his life. His pursuit of excellence continued at the University of Mississippi, where he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in 1996. Driven by curiosity and determination, he went on to Christian Brothers University, earning dual Master's degrees in Business Administration and Information Technology by the year 2000. For over 22 years, David built a distinguished career in the IT industry, serving in leadership roles for top-tier national and global companies in his adopted home of Dallas. A Certified Project Management Professional since 2004 and a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, David was widely admired for his sharp intellect, steady leadership, and commitment to mentoring others. He led complex initiatives with humility and grace-whether delivering large-scale infrastructure upgrades, guiding organizational change, or supporting executives at the highest level. His career included roles such as Senior Program Manager at Trinity Industries, Delivery Manager at Avanade Inc., Senior Project Manager at Cyclotron, Inc., and Senior Cybersecurity Project Manager at PepsiCo. In every role, David was known not just for his skill, but for the warmth, encouragement, and humor he shared with colleagues. While his career was impressive, David never let it overshadow what mattered most-faith, family, friendships, and joyful living. Growing up in Ripley was always dear to his heart. He spoke often of church life at Ripley Church of Christ, neighborhood friendships, afternoons at The Fun Factory arcade, root beer floats in his father's study, and treasured times with his brother, Mark, who first introduced him to computers. David's booming laughter, gentle spirit, and quick wit made him beloved among friends, family, church members, and coworkers alike. David's heart was also deeply tied to Ole Miss, his lifelong team. Game days in the Grove, cheering with his "Pet Bears" dressed in Rebel gear, were among his happiest traditions. He also had a deep love for literature, particularly William Faulkner and Ernest Hemingway, and often quoted Hemingway's reminder that "There is only now." To those who knew him, David was more than his achievements-he was a man who lived intentionally, who carried joy in his heart, and who encouraged others to be true to their convictions. He spoke fondly of his parents' example of selfless service to Tippah County and always honored their legacy. He deeply loved his family, his many cousins whom he considered siblings, and most of all, his son, Mark Daniel Ketchum, who was his pride and joy. David was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy "Dot" Jean Jamieson Ketchum, Dr. Thomas Lowell Ketchum, Jr. and Jean Wiggs Ketchum; siblings, Mark Ketchum, Michael Ketchum, and Mary Veronica "Fritzi" Ketchum Lyon. He leaves to cherish his memory his son, Mark Daniel Ketchum; his niece, Gracie Campbell (Jordan); beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and a wide circle of friends and colleagues who will forever treasure his memory. David's laughter, wisdom, and generous spirit will be deeply missed. "Hotty Toddy, David!" Until we meet again. Per his request, David was cremated, therefore since there will be no burial location; the family request in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to the Ripley High School Tennis Team, in care of Mr. Joe Hunsucker, Assistant Principal, 720 South Clayton Street, Ripley, MS 38663, or to Tippah County Hospital, P.O. Box 499, Ripley, MS 38663, in honor of his parents' legacy of service to their community. Ripley Funeral Home invites all friends and family to share photos, messages, and memories on the website with David's family. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David Ketchum, please visit our floral store.