Ralph Corliss Hiden

Ralph Hiden, a loving family man, passed away on April 23, 2023, at the age of 91 in Jacksonville, Florida. He was born on July 25, 1931, in Tremont, Mississippi, to Arthur and Gertie Hiden. Ralph was a faithful servant of God and his church, and an active member of Lakewood United Methodist Church.

Ralph was a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, and upon returning home, he attended Mississippi State University, obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in accounting. He went on to have a successful career as a District Accounting Manager for Southern Bell for many years. Upon his retirement, he became the Church Administrator for his beloved church.

Ralph was an avid sailor, and enjoyed sailing with his wife, family, and friends. He also loved hiking in the mountains, camping, and water skiing. He was a cub master/scoutmaster for his sons with the Boy Scouts. He loved having his family close. He loved nothing better than having his children, grandchildren at his home and his great-grandchildren hanging all over him. He never missed a game that his sons played. He always pitched in where he could, keeping the scorebook, umping the bases, working on the chain gang. He would throw the football, baseball, shoot baskets to be with his kids, even after a long day at work.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Judy, of 67 years, daughter Ruth Babadi; son Dan Hiden, his wife Kelly and their sons Kyle and Mack; son David Ralph Hiden, his wife Robbie and their daughters Rachael and Casey; and son Phillip Hiden and his husband Ed Curtis Drake Jr. He is also survived by his granddaughter Leila Fernandez, her husband Esteven Jr. and their children Isaac, Isabella, Illiyana and Illese; granddaughter Tella Feist, her husband Jacob and their children Jace Ralph, Wyatt and Cole; and grandson Jonmorad Babadi. He loved spending time with his family, attending all of their sporting events, weddings, birthdays, graduations, and births. He was so proud of each and every one of them.

A ceremony to celebrate Ralph’s life will be held at Lakewood United Methodist Church on Saturday, April 29th, at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Lakewood United Methodist Church, 6133 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32217; https://lakewoodumc.com/giving/.