Ralph E. Eidson Sr.

Ralph was born on May 24, 1927 the youngest of eight children of Thomas L. and Ruth Roberts Eidson.

Ralph graduated from Kirkman Tech High School and from there served in the U.S. Army for 18 months. While in the Army, he was assigned to the United Nations at Lake Success, NY and was commended highly for facilitating transportation for delegates and staff of the United Nations during the period of General Assembly.

Ralph began working with the Humane Educational Society, Inc. in May of 1947, starting as an animal control officer and rising to the positions of Field Representative, Investigator and later as the Executive Director. He worked with neglected and abused children, an agency responsibility until the late 1970’s when such duties were turned over to the Juvenile Court and newly established Department of Human Services.

Ralph was a member of the Tennessee Conference of Social Work and the Tennessee Law Enforcement Officers Association, the East Lake Masonic Lodge, the American Humane Association, and Founder and President of the Tennessee Animal Control Association. He was active in getting laws passed to protect animals.

After 45 years of service to his community, Ralph retired and became an entrepreneur. He owned and operated the Eidson Detective Agency in Chattanooga and Cleveland, TN along with the Cherokee Answering Service of Cleveland, TN, the Hospital Sitting Service and Established the Pet Haven Cemetery. He and his wife of more than 63 years, Mary worked side by side in everything.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Ruth Eidson, Sisters, Ruby Thompson and Mary Adams of East Ridge, Brothers, Bud and Clyde of East Ridge and Willard of Ringgold, GA.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Eidson; son Ralph Eidson, Jr. of Rossville, GA; daughters, Jeanette (Richard) Elrod of East Ridge and Teresa (Sam) Bryant of Hixson; brother, James (Mary Rose) Eidson of East Ridge; sister, Louise Moore of East Brainerd; grandsons, Trey (Ann) Lewallen of East Ridge, Chris (Alyssa) Eidson of Atlanta, GA, Josh (Mandy) Eidson of Elizabethtown, KY; granddaughters, Michelle (Jamey) Gaston of Rock Hill, SC, Beth (Everett) Chretien of Oak Ridge, TN; seven great-grandchildren, Zachary and Tracy Lewallen, Emily Chretien, Tori and Matthew Gaston and Shelby and Taylor Eidson; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 1 PM Monday at the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home with the Rev. Royce Powell and Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Hammond officiating. Interment will follow in Lakewood Memory Gardens, South. The family will receive friends from 2-6 PM Sunday and from 12-1 PM Monday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association P.O.Box11454 Alexandria, VA 22312.