Ralph Kitchens, Jr., "Katman", (60), of Doddsville, MS, went home to be with the Lord on February 20, 2025, due to injuries sustained during an automobile accident. He reiterated, "Me and the Lord's got this worked out."

Ralph was born in Greenwood, MS to Ralph, Sr. and Dorothy Kitchens. He spent his early years in Greenwood and Cleveland, Mississippi and Memphis Tennessee.

While in Memphis, he met many people he formed lasting friendships with. Most notably, this is where he met and married the love of his life, Tammy. Together they raised two children that were his pride and joy. He was pure bravery, and a fiercely loyal protector of his family. His family and all that knew him will attest that he had a brute strength, putting Popeye on spinach to shame.

He made his career as a most-valued heavy equipment operator for JJ Ferguson in Blackhawk, Mississippi. He also leveled a lot of land in the Delta, and built many of the Delta's famous catfish ponds, only to come back later and level them back into cropland. There wasn't a piece of equipment or anything with a steering wheel he could not drive.

In his spare time, he enjoyed spending time with his family and his dogs, fishing, the occasional hunting trip, and affectionately roasting those he was closest to.  He was a very funny guy, with a dry sense of humor and was very quick witted.  He loved music, especially George Jones, Toby Keith, The Bee Gees, and K C and the Sunshine band. The last of which his wife could never tolerate, but it didn't stop him from putting on his 'Boogie Shoes.'

Nobody could deny that the man could dance.

His favorite Sunday afternoon past-time was watching his favorite movie, Lonesome Dove or anything with John Wayne. Some of his fondest memories, though, were when he spent all day with his kids watching cartoons, a favorite tv pastime he continued to share with his grandchildren.

He was a very generous man, offering the shirt off his back to a stranger if he knew there was a need.  When there was a rare winter weather event in the Delta, he would spend his day in his 4-Wheel drive helping stranded motorist get back on the road safely. He never left a task undone.

He leaves to cherish his memory; his wife, Tammy of Doddsville, MS, his daughter, Britany Luker (Brandon) of Columbia, TN, his son Zachary of Doddsville, MS, two grandchildren, Lucy and Jaxon, two pups Zeus and Ford. His wife's siblings: Angel, Misty, Heather, Dustin, Carla, and Rustin that he claimed as his own and a selected host of cousins that he maintained close relationships with.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his father-in-law, Sammy Teague, whom he considered a dear friend.

"I have tried to live my life so that my family would love me and my friends respect me. The others can do whatever the hell they please." – John Wayne

"A man's got to do what a man's got to do, even if it means crossing the river of death." – Woodrow F. Call

In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in honor of his deep love for all children.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 26, 2025, from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm, at Burton Funeral Home in Indianola. The memorial service will begin at 2:00 pm at the funeral home. Burton Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.