Ralph Arelious Fordyce of Charleston, SC, completed 92 incredible laps around the track called life and pulled into victory lane on September 20, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving daughters.
Born in 1932 in Salem, Indiana, Ralph was the only son of Millard and Mary Ellen (Marshall) Fordyce. He proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1952 to 1956 and could recall in vivid detail stories from his time overseas. On September 9, 1961, he married the love of his life, Margaret “Maggie” Louise (Bagshaw).
In 1972, Ralph and Maggie moved their family from Salem to Waverly, Ohio, where they owned and operated the KFC for over 30 years. When Ralph wasn’t frying chicken, he could be found enjoying NASCAR or polishing his 1966 red convertible Mustang—winning many trophies at car shows.
In 2000, Ralph and Maggie retired to Fort Myers, Florida, where they became beloved members of the Palm Island social club. Together, they hosted countless gatherings for their supper club and friends. Maggie was the mastermind behind the celebrations, and Ralph was the good sport who never once complained—no matter the costume or theme.
Ralph could build or fix anything, from household projects to thriving tomato plants. His strong work ethic and generous spirit carried him through every season of life. Of all his accomplishments, his proudest achievement was the loving family he built with Maggie.
Ralph is survived by his daughters Teresa (Bill) Kelly of Charleston, SC, and Tina (Greg) Hixon of Circleville, OH; grandchildren Tara (Hunter) Bishop of Charleston, SC, Devin (Brigette) Kelly of Charleston, SC, Christopher (Shirah) Curtis of Circleville, OH, and Grayson (Mac) Bosel of Cincinnati, OH; and nine great-grandchildren—Brodi and Remi Bishop, Mila, Sophia, and Cooper Kelly, Aleah, Brantley, and Presley Curtis, and Vella Bosel—who brought him immeasurable joy over the past eight years. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Brenda Bagshaw.
The family wishes to thank McAlister-Smith Funeral Home of Charleston for their compassionate care and assistance.