Howard Wesley Todd

Howard Wesley Todd, 76, of Ridgely, died Friday, April 22, 2022, at Signature Healthcare of Ridgely after a nearly year-long battle with cancer.
Mr. Todd was born November 15, 1945, in Parsons, Tenn., to the late Rev. L.W. Todd and Isobel Todd. He lived in several towns across West Tennessee throughout childhood, including Adamsville, Alamo, Bells, Camden, and Friendship. He graduated from Friendship High School in 1963, then from Union University in 1967. He would later earn a Master’s degree from Memphis State University.
He was a teacher and basketball coach at Friendship High School, later becoming principal and superintendent. In 1977, he moved to Ridgely to become principal at Lara Kendall Elementary School, where he served until 1991. He was named principal at Lake County High School that year, and he held that position through the 2001 school year. From then until his retirement, he served in a number of supervisory roles within the school system. In all, he committed more than 40 years of his life to serving the students, teachers and staff of Lake County Schools.
Mr. Todd also served the Lake County community in numerous other ways. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Ridgely, where he taught Sunday School and sang in the choir. He was a volunteer fireman with the Ridgely Fire Department, and he was elected to two terms on the Ridgely City Board of Aldermen. He was also a member of the Tiptonville Lions Club, serving an active role in coordinating the annual Bream Bash fishing tournament and other service projects. An avid fisherman, hunter and golfer, he loved spending time on Reelfoot Lake and playing golf with his friends at Hickman Country Club.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Kathy Todd, of Ridgely; a son, Wesley Todd (Lauren) of Auburn, Ala.; a nephew, Conrad Todd DeLaney (Heather) of Norfolk, Va.; two great-nephews, Joseph DeLaney and Jacob DeLaney, and two great-nieces, Katherine DeLaney and Isabella DeLaney.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Patsy Todd DeLaney (Conrad).
Following cremation, a memorial service was held Saturday, April 30, at First Baptist Church in Ridgely with Bro. John Coleman officiating. The family received visitors starting at 1 p.m., followed by the service at 3 p.m. A private dispersal of ashes followed. Dyersburg Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, friends are encouraged to donate to the charity of their choice.