He was born in Smithville, Tennessee on December 16, 1932, to Martin and Mary Pedigo. He was the oldest of nine children, and he always found great joy in his bonds with his brothers and sisters. After graduating from DeKalb County High School, he joined the Army and served his country while stationed in the Bavarian region of Germany, which he always said was one of the most beautiful places on Earth. When he completed his service in the military, he returned to school and received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Tennessee Technological University as well as a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. During his time at UT, he became an avid, lifelong Vols football fan and rarely missed a game.
Ralph worked at DuPont for 20 years before he retired and opened his own business with two other colleagues. Together they founded Plant Engineering Consultants, which went on to employ over 70 people and do business with factories all over the world. He absolutely loved being an engineer.
Ralph’s faith was central to his life, and he was an active member and deacon at Ridgedale Baptist Church, as well as a Sunday School teacher in the Genesis Class. He enjoyed many years singing in the senior choir and traveling to Alaska with Constructors for Christ.
In addition to his faith and career, Ralph also loved his family and instilled in them the importance of faith, service, education and music. Ralph could often be found playing his guitar or working in the yard. He enjoyed traveling and visited many countries.
Ralph was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara Haley Pedigo, as well as siblings Ronnie Pedigo, Repsie Pedigo and Renda Pedigo Lavin.
He is survived by his wife, Loretta Robbs Pedigo, daughter and son in law Mary Ann and Fred Clelland, son and daughter in law Haley Austin and Stephany Pedigo, grandchildren Emily Clelland, Mary Catherine Clelland, Philip Pedigo, Nathanael Pedigo and Margaret Pedigo, step children Lee (Betsy) Robbs, Mike (Annette) Robbs and Sandy (Dennis) Long , siblings Roy Pedigo, Ruby Jones, Rose Duncan, Richard Pedigo and Rex Pedigo and seven step grandchildren.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 25Th from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Chattanooga Funeral Home, North Chapel. A Celebration of Life will be held at 12:30 p.m. in the funeral home chapel officiated by Dr. Doug Plumlee. Interment will follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Habitat for Humanity, 1201 E. Main St., Chattanooga, TN 37408 or Ridgedale Baptist Church, 1831 Hickory Valley Road, Chattanooga, TN, 37421.
