Tom Mahaffey

Ralph Thomas “Tom” Mahaffey, 84, of Dennison, Ohio, passed away at his home, surrounded by his loving family, on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. Born at home on December 6, 1941 in Tuscarawas County’s Rush Township near Uhrichsville, Ohio, he was a son of the late Obediah Ralph and Nellie Frances (Orr) Mahaffey.

Tom lived in Tuscarawas County throughout his life with the exception of the years that he spent serving his country in the U. S. Army from 1961 to 1963 in Korea. From the age of 16, he drove truck, and he accumulated a staggering number of over the road miles over his 50+ year career. He was a driver for a number of area companies over the years, including Yellow Freight. He will be remembered for his love of debating over any and all topics – including, but not limited to politics and his thoughts on Korea. His family and friends were never in doubt about exactly where he stood, as each debate opened with “And #1…”! Above all else, Tom was his family’s rock, provider, protector, and problem solver who could always be relied upon to help anyone in need, no matter the situation.

On May 4, 1967, Tom married Betty Jean (Mullins) Mahaffey with whom he spent 48 years of loving marriage until her passing on August 11, 2015. He will be deeply missed by their daughters, Desirrae Spinell and Dawna (Troy) Riley; grandchildren, Bliss Miller, Dakota (Elaina) Fox, Cory (companion, Sara Ott) Spinell, and Jade (companion, James Benton) Terry; great-grandchildren, Tina Elder, Rune Perez, Aloy Benton, and Amicia Benton; great-great-granddaughter, Juniper Elder; siblings, Marjorie Tharp, Jim (Mary) Mahaffey, and Kaye (Frank) Page; brothers-in-law, Alonzo Parrish and Jim Williams; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by three siblings, Mary Parrish, Dorothy Williams, and Ronnie Mahaffey.

Steve Roth will officiate a 1:00 p.m. funeral on Tuesday, October 27, at the R. K. Lindsey Funeral Home in Dennison where his family will receive callers from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, prior to the service. He will be interred beside his beloved wife in Union-Salem Cemetery of Port Washington. Those wishing to honor his memory by a charitable donation may do so to the charity of their choice.