Ralph E. Land's Obituary
Ralph E. Land, 76, of Madison, Tennessee, passed away on Friday, February 24, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret I. and Eulis E. Land and a brother, David Neil Land.
He is survived by his life partner, Cindy Tan, a brother, Harold Land, a sister, Anna McGowan and her husband Jeff, a nephew, Shaun Conner, a niece, Amy Conner, three great-nephews, Landon Kramme, Brendon Kramme and Easton Conner, and close family friends, Lan Phan and his wife, Linh Phan.
Ralph’s life was mostly spent as a recording musician. At the age of sixteen he had his first recording session. Shortly after graduating from St. Louis Jr. College, Ralph was drafted into the U.S. Army. He was shot twice in two days in heavy combat in Vietnam and subsequently was permanently retired from the military service. Upon retiring, Ralph went back to the music industry. Ralph also performed with top groups in St. Louis and was a staff drummer for daytime ABC TV, Charlotte Peters Show. He moved to Nashville while working with Sammi Smith (Help Me Make It Through the Night). As a member of a performing band called The Sideman, he worked with artists that did not have their own band. He was later hired as the drummer and toured with George Jones and the Jones Boys. After departing from George Jones in 1980, Ralph had his own group, Studio Three. He later moved to Los Angeles with movie score productions. Finally, in 1981, Ralph was forced into retirement from the music industry when his disabilities from Vietnam began affecting him. During his journey through his disability, he began helping other veterans through similar disabilities.
It was at The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 953, in Nashville, Tennessee, where he began to meet more veterans like him. He became devoted to Veterans Serving Veterans, Inc. He was also affiliated with; Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 45, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 240 (which he helped start), Legislative Chairman, Tennessee State Council, VIP President for The Community Partnership Program (We Honor Americans), participant in the Committee to finalize Agent Orange Legislation (passed), Lifetime Member of the Military Order of The Purple Heart VFW NCOA DAV, Member of the State Council and Past Legislative Director for the Military Order of the Purple Heart, President and founder of The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 953 in Nashville, Tennessee, 6th District Commander, DAV and Chapter Service Office, President for Vietnam Veterans of Nashville Foundation, Vice President for The Community Partnership Program (We Honor Veterans), Commander Jerry Reed Music City AMVETS Post 176, Member of the Legislative and Governmental Affairs Vietnam Veterans of America, State Legislative Director for Disabled American Veterans, Member of the Tennessee Valley Health Care Veterans Advisory Board, Member of the Board of Directors for the Fisher House of Middle Tennessee, and the Legislative Director for The Military Order of The Purple Heart.
The family cordially invites relatives and friends to gather and share remembrances of Ralph on Friday, March 3, 2023 from twelve o’clock in the afternoon until the time of the funeral service at two o’clock in the afternoon at Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5110 Gallatin Road in Nashville. Ralph will receive full military honors immediately following the service. A committal service will be held at a later date in Middle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery.
In lieu of customary remembrances, donations can be made to the donor’s choice.
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