Ralph W. Geddes - played with Utah Valley bands The Vectors and The Todes

January 22, 1946 - October 24, 2020

Ralph Worley Geddes, of Myrtle Beach, SC, passed away on October 24, 2020.

Ralph is survived by his wife Randi Geddes, his children Ralph Geddes II, Reni Geddes, Rakaia Geddes, and Raquel Geddes. Along with his brother, Paul Geddes and sister Gina Francis. He is predeceased by his son Regin Geddes, his mother Johnetta Geddes and father Paul Lowe Geddes.

Ralph was born on January 22, 1946 in Pocatello, Idaho. He went on a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Spring of 1966 to Uruguay, South America. He was fluent in Spanish. He graduated from Brigham Young University (BYU Provo) in May of 1971, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Theory. July 1977-06/1997, Ralph worked as a Musical Director and Keyboard Player for Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers. During this time, he lived in Nashville, TN, where he met Randi Montierth who he married on June 22, 1988. While in Nashville, they welcomed 3 children into the world, Ralph Worley Geddes II (01/28/89), Reni Rochelle Geddes (04/17/91), and Regin Wade Geddes (06/22/93). Later, Ralph and his family, moved to Myrtle Beach, SC so that Ralph could play at the new Gatlin Brothers Theatre. On June 3, 1997 through January 8, 2015 Ralph started working at The Carolina Opry, as Musical Director and Keyboard Player. During this time, Ralph and his wife Randi brought two more children into this world, Rakaia Riana Geddes (07/26/99) and Raquel Darlene Geddes (01/01/01).

Some but not all of Ralphs accomplishments are Musical Director (1977-1997)- Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers (“All the Gold in California”) for 18+ years and played piano/keyboards on all the hits. Musical Director (1994)- for Larry Gatlin’s Off-Broadway play “Alive and Well”). Musical Director (1976-1997)- for Charlie Rich “Behind Closed Doors”. Musical Director (1972)- for Natalie Cole (duet with father Nat in “Unforgettable”). MIDI Specialist and Keyboards (1997-2020)- musical arranger and performer for Myrtle Beach’s award-winning showplace, The Carolina Opry. Made two USO Tours through Viet Nam, Korea, and the Pacific Command. In House Arranger and Producer at film and recording conglomerate, entertainment four, SLC. Personally entertained for the US Presidents Carter, Regan, Ford, and Bush; he wrote orchestral arrangements for Nelson Riddles Orchestra for President Reagan’s Inaugural. Composed and conducted original musical score for “Showman” (1972-1973)- starring William Shatner and Mel Torme. Wrote two Tunes recorded by “The Surfaris” (of “Wipe Out” fame) (1963)- played guitar on Wolfman Jack’s poetry album; recorded album on Vee Jay Records called “Come Surf with Me”. President, Freshware (1983-2020)- Custom Software/Consulting.

Partial list of artists Ralph has played for; Tim McGraw, Vince Gill, Patrick Swayze, Charlie Daniels, John Denver, Glen Campbell, Lee Greenwood, Natalie Cole, Emmy Lou Harris, Johnny Cash, Ty Herndon, JoDee Messina, Crystal Gayle, Roger Miller, Leroy Parnelle, Lynn Anderson, Charlie Rich, Loretta Lynn, Tanya Tucker, Johnny Gimble, Nicollette Larson, Janie Fricke, Larry Stewart (Restless Heart), Suzy Boggus, Jeff Carson, Billie Dean, Larry Carlton, Doug Kershaw, B.J. Thomas, Bill Medley, Wolfman Jack, Charlie Pride, Larry Gatlin, Johnny Mathis, Gary U.S. Bonds, and The Bellamy Brothers.

 Continuing with Ralphs accomplishments; Bellamy Brothers “An Evening with the Symphony” arranged and conducted this concert merging the classical and country music idioms. Nelson Riddle Orchestra- arranged several pieces for President Regan’s Inaugural Gala. Movie and Television scores are “Ozarks: Legacy & Legend”- composed and conducted entire score, now showing at the IMAX Discovery Theater in Branson, MO. “The Land of No Return” starring William Shatner and Mel Torme, composed and conducted entire score. “Snowman” a re-working of “The land of No Return” for television. “To Die, To Sleep” co-wrote entire score. “Toklat” played guitar for entire score. “Brother of the Wind” co-wrote and sang theme song. “Bob Hope Christmas Special” wrote orchestral arrangements for TV orchestra. “Gatlin Brothers Short Stories” wrote incidental music for this tv special. “Running High” composed and produced entire score for this TV special. “Cayman Island Getaway” wrote incidental music for this TV special. Computer programing accomplishments: 10+ years’ experience programming in C/C++, Borland C++, Borland C++ Builder Professional, MS Visual C++ Microsoft Access, VBA, SQL, Paradox, ObjectPAL, ObjectPAL Custom DLLs ezDialogs, extended ObjectPAL functions, Custom Database Design, all dialects of Basic, MS Visual Basic, Html, DHtml, Java, Web Page Design, Windows, Unix, Linux, Assembler, TSR, MMGrasp. Lightning fast code entry at 100+ wpm. President of custom software and consulting firm, freshware. Technical Writer, wrote and designed users guides for all versions of the nationally marked calendar and scheduling software, datemate, and wrote all help screens for Notable Software Projects.

A funeral service is scheduled for 2:00 PM on Monday November 2, 2020 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1392-48th Ave N, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577. The family will be greeting friends and family one hour prior to services.

Social distancing will be observed and face masks are required while attending the services. 

There is an online guestbook tab above to leave a kind message for the Geddes family.

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