Another memory I have of Mr. Todd was on 4th of July. All the neighborhood kids were hanging out at the end of their driveway. We were lighting sparklers, those rotten egg smelling snake smoke bombs and throwing pop it's at each others feet.  Ralph had bought some bottle rockets and was shooting them off. At one point he was showing off and said, "Watch this" and lit the bottle rocket while holding it in his hand. He would try and time it right to throw the bottle rocket in the air right before it popped. Mr. Todd came out and told us kids not to be an idiot you might blow a finger off. He then told us a story about someone he knew that had lost part of a finger due to fireworks. 
I thought great I'm not touching those bottle rockets. A little later in the night I don't remember if it was Ralph, Kyle or Alex but they were trying to hold the lit bottle rocket in their hand and then throw it again. One of them held on to it for too long and it popped while they were still holding it. They were crying and Mrs. Todd brought them inside to take care of their hand. Mr. Todd sat back in his lawn chair and said, "I told them not to be an idiot!" That stuck with me and to this day I won't ever light a bottle rocket!

It’s all my fault. I bought a 1982 Yamaha Seca turbo from Ralph when he worked for Shipps Wheelsport in Springdale on Rt 4 and I worked for Tri County Toyota. I bugged Ralph forever to get him to join our team and sell Toyotas with us. Well, the rest is history. What a great man. He was the epitome of kindness, integrity, honesty. I could go on and on. The impact he had on customers, associates, family and friends is undeniable. Rest in peace my friend.

Ralph was an incredible human being. I learned so much from him when I first started at Performance Toyota as a Sales Representative, where he served as the F&I Director. He was kind, patient, and truly understood the power of human connection.

Even after many years of no longer working together and losing touch, he still took my call when I reached out from Florida — something I will always remember.

My heartfelt condolences go out to Terri and the entire family.

I will always cherish the memories of traveling with him and Grandma, moments that now live forever in my heart. From Mammoth Cave to the magic of The Nutcracker, from the racetrack to our Thanksgiving sleepovers each year, and the countless shopping trips filled with laughter and conversation and a little bit of annoyance from him, every experience became a treasured memory. Those times shared  with me, Savannah, Grandma, and him were filled with love, comfort, and joy. I am deeply grateful for each one, and while I hold them close, I will wish we had been given just a little more time for even more memories together.

My deepest condolences to his entire family. I knew Ralph through the BMW motorcycle community.  He always had a smile and friendly handshake to share stories. 
Bill Berry

One of my favorite memories of my grandpa is spending the night on Thanksgiving at Grandma and Grandpa’s and waking up on Black Friday to decorate for Christmas together. These moments became some of my favorite  holiday memories. Another memory  is when he took me to the Evanescence concert at Riverbend. There are countless memories with him that I will  never forget.

One of my favorite memories of my dad:
We are all on a family vacation in Hilton Head. I remember it clearly as we were there when OJ Simpson was chased in his Bronco. Mom was trying to watch a basketball game and dad couldn’t care less. Anywho, we were all cleaning the table after dinner and there was a can of coke left on the table.  I (or someone else I can’t remember) asked “who’s pop” and dad replied “I am!!” LOL That’s the silly side of him and something I will never forget #foreverpops

Ralph was my mentor, my work Dad, and my friend. I have so many memories with him. how do you ever pick just one?  From everyday work for over 25 years to motorcycle rides & hill climbs to family get togethers that I will always cherish. Ralph taught me everything I know about the car business and finance, but even more importantly, he taught me countless life lessons.
He was always there to help, to guide, or simply to get things done—no matter what it took. Ralph was one of the very best men I have ever known, and I am incredibly grateful for the time, wisdom, and friendship he shared with me.
My love and prayers go out to Terri and the entire family. Ralph will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

My sincerest condolences - Never knew him well, since I left South Lebanon if the fall of 62 - but will miss his posts.  God give the family peace and rejoice with the angels!

He was my best friend - we started in the 1st grade together but became good friends by the 8th grade.  We played trumpet in the band, stayed at each other's house overnight, talked about girls, knew each other's secrets (we thought we had done wild stupid things = NOT) double dated, both liked fast cars, and generally hung out together.  By our 30's we had grown apart because of life and distance - I deeply regret that.  But when we would get together for a class reunion it was just like I saw him yesterday.  It's like part of my life is gone.

Ralph was so kind to me when I started at performance toyota, in 1989, I always appreciated that.RIP.

I remember the day Mr. Todd brought home the red convertible. I think every kid in the neighborhood wanted a ride. He eventually caved in and gave Raven, Alex and me a ride. I was super excited to get to ride in a convertible for the first time in my life. I would feel the wind in my hair, see the clouds passing above , feel like a movie star and enjoy the ride...or so I thought. I didn't realize that because of his love for cars he enjoyed going so fast. I was white knuckling the whole drive and couldn't wait for the car to stop. I tried to play it cool like I had a fun time but never again did I want to ride with Mr. Todd in the convertible! When we stopped he had a huge smile on his face and laughed. I secretly think he drove so fast to scare us so he wouldn't have to give us rides anymore:) Enjoy no speed limits in Heaven!

Ralph and Inworked together for a time at  the performance group  , he always knew how to read the room , man so many times we said we were gonna get some Wind therapy now my first ride in 26 is dedicated to you sir

OBITUARY

Ralph Victor Todd "Trader Vic"

September 19, 1948 – December 16, 2025

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