Ralph Overton, age 79, passed peacefully on May 21, 2026, at Alive Hospice in Nashville. He was surrounded by his loving family.
Born to the late Locke Leech Overton and Lucille Frey Overton, Ralph was raised in Dickson County. His early years consisted of family, hard work, and country living. He enjoyed riding horses, hunting and fishing. Ralph was the grandson of the late country veterinarian J.C. “Doc” Frey and Beulah Estelle Spann Frey. His first job as a boy was assisting his Granddaddy Frey on an old farm place that would eventually become the Dickson County High School campus. As a kid, he attended the one-room Mt. Lebanon schoolhouse. Ralph graduated from Charlotte High School and later attended Middle Tennessee State University, where he served as football team captain alongside close friend Charlie Daniel. During his college days, he met the love of his life, Marcia Henderson Overton. After marring Marcia in 1969, their careers took them to education jobs in Greenville and Lebanon Tennessee.
In 1978, Ralph came home to Dickson to continue his coaching career. He held such jobs as Coach, Athletic Director, Assistant Principal, and Principal. He participated in several school jobs including roofing and painting schools as well as driving a bus. He was famous for saying, “Keep off the Grass.” He believed that if you take care of the little things, then the big things would take care of themselves.
Outside of school, Ralph’s greatest joy came through his family. He was a proud father to Sandy and Matthew. He eventually became known as “Pa” to his grandchildren Landon, Andrew, and Astrid. Ralph was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and professional. To the community he gave his all.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Locke Leech Overton and Lucille Frey Overton; sisters, Susan Belcher and Jo Ann Pulley; and brother, William Dale Overton.
Survivors include his loving wife, Marica Henderson Overton; daughter, Sandy Overton Taylor (Will); son, Matthew Harris Overton (Christina); grandchildren, Landon Taylor, Andrew Taylor, and Astrid Overton; sisters, Juanita Adams and Jane Petty.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 2:00pm. at the Dickson First Methodist Church. Rev. Ed White will officiate the service. Visitation will be held Friday, May 29, from 4:00pm until 8:00pm at Taylor Funeral Home and again on May 30, from noon until 2:00pm. Ralph will be laid to rest at Mt. Lebanon Cemetery across from the one-room school where his journey began.
Those desiring memorials may be made to Dickson County High School or Dickson First Methodist Church.
Nelson Pierce, Mark Tipton, Dennis Fussell, Jackie Bledsoe, Bryan Kimbro, Jarrett Hoover, David Adams, and John Belcher will serve as active casket bearers.
Bennie Daniel, Charlie Daniel, Jimmy Bone, Ed Sheley, David Petty, Jerry Pearson, Shelby Rye, Randy Sullivan, Richard Jones, Ed Littleton, Chuck Adams, and Andy Petty will serve as honorary casket bearers.
32 Responses
So very sorry to hear of this. Ralph’s family and mine have been friends for many years and generations. He will be missed.
Without a doubt – one of the finest human beings I ever encountered. He had a handshake that made you feel like you might lose your arm. I always loved to see him smile – having to be so firm, then he’d tilt that head and smile and laugh. He was real. He was honest, he adored his family. He will be missed for sure.
I am so sorry to hear about Ralph.He was an asset to our school system and entire county and the world.A great man alround.
Heartfelt sympathies & prayers are with all.
He cared for every student at DCHS. He was always speaking to them and greeting them with that big smile. He knew how to discipline with tough love, a pat on the back, or a shake of hands. I’ll always remember him ending the morning announcements with “Make it a good one today!”
never saw him with out a smile and it often came with something to laugh about one of those people that was a joy to be around gonna be missed!
Ralph was a mentor, a good friend, and a fellow coach and educator. He believed in me, and encouraged me to work hard to achieve my goals. I shall miss his big smile, his very firm handshake, and his encouraging words of praise. I shall have fond memories forever.
I worked on the hill with Coach O for a few years, as long as he was on the hill everyone was safe and cared for he had big bear hugs I miss and will miss those
So sorry to hear this. When we were I. High school I don’t think I ever say him frown. He was always wearing a smile and happy. I am so sorry for ur loss he was one of a kind for sure!
Ralph was a fellow teacher, coach, and friend. He will forever be remembered
Coach O we all called him. He was by far my absolute favorite principal at my favorite high school. Class of 93 will miss this one of a kind guy!!! He had a contagious smile and a silly laugh. Even after graduating he always remembered me. It made me feel blessed to have him as my principal. I know that me and ALL of class will NEVER walk on the grass at OUR school !!! RIP Coach O we all love you!!!
I first met Ralph when I was about 6 years old. Charlie Daniels and Ralph were the captains at Charlotte High school. My sister was homecoming queen and my first cousin Donna was the flower girl and I was the crown bearer. Being a 6 year old and getting to walk on that field with two of my hero football players left me feeling like I had made the best friend a boy could make. Coach Daniels and Coach O never failed to tell me hello and ask about my sister and brother in law! Rest in Peace Coach Overton.
Ralph was a neighbor and friend of our family. Our families rode the bus to Charlotte Elementary and High School together for many years and got to know each other. Ralph also played football for Charlotte High with my brother Edgar Brown and sometimes I would be allowed to play something similar to the game with them and other friends in our front yard. What great memories. The warmth of his genuine smile and loving soul will be remembered.
he was a great guy and also a wonderful principal rest in peace coach we all loved u
Great principal always nice to everyone he was around Thoughts and prayers for his family at this time
So sorry to hear about the passing of this great guy! Our daughters were good friends in Lebanon many years ago and prayers to his family😘
So sorry to read about the death of this fine gentleman!! Our daughters were good friends in Lebanon many years ago, many good memories of this family.. love and prayers to all of them😘
Coach Overton was one of the best. my condolences to the family. I’m thankful for his leadership and dedication to the youth of Dickson County.
Coach Overton always had a big ole smile on his face. Always remember your name and give a hug.
He will be missed by all.
Coach Overton, a fine person. I am a retired educator and respect educators of today; however, they don’t make them like Mr. Overton anymore!
I remember him well. My mother and father, Evelyn and Jim Babb, thought the world of him. My sincere condolences to the family.
I met he and his wife in the eighties, and I remember his smile. He was assuredly a good person and disciplinarian, and left a legacy like none other. Praying for his family today.
Sending peace and ease of being as you walk with your grief and loss of a good man. For me, Coach Overton was a leader by example rather than boastfulness and bragging. He showed students respect and kindness while still keeping limits. The world was blessed to have him and he will be missed but held always in my heart and I suspect, I am not alone in this sentiment.
DCHS was *very* fortunate to have you as our principal and mentor, during my time. I’ll never forget our sophomore orientation in the DCHS auditorium. You commanded everyone’s attention without too much effort. RIP, Coach. Prayers to the Sandy and the family!
To the best coach there was, he loved education, he lived it. Rest in Peace Coach Overton, God bless my friend, Robert Eliasson
Sincere condolences to Mrs. Marcia and your entire family. May sweet memories sustain you throughout the years. Troy Putman (LHS Class of ’80 and Southside School in Lebanon, TN).
It is heart felt sadness to know that Ralph has passed away. My prayers are with the family and friends during this difficult time. I was a team mate for 3 years with Ralph at MTSU AND FOUND HIM TO BE A VERY HARD WORKING YOUNG MAN.
I also coached against him (Riverdale vs Lebanon) and found him tough to compete against.
Phil Watts
Ralph was a very special man and will always be in our hearts.
In my opinion one of the most iconic figures in Charlotte history..he always made you feel like you were very special..a true gentleman..gonna miss you Ralph
Coach O was one of a kind, he definitely met his calling being an educator and coach ! Enjoyed every minute I was around him! Can here him now saying “Hubba-Jean”😁
RIP coach, we will see you in heaven!
A great teammate at MTSU ! That is where I first literally ran into Ralph and every time I saw him over the years and he always had that big smile and he would pick me up and hug me. Everyone is better because of our association with big Ralph!
Ralph and I began teaching at DCHS together in 1978. We graduated from CHS in 1964. Always proud to call him my friend.