Howard Clifton Ralston

Mr. Howard Clifton Ralston, 82, of Dalton, died Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022, at his home, surrounded by loving family.

He was born July 11, 1940, in Blue Ridge, to the late Howard Wayne Ralston and D. Elizabeth “Lizzie” Weaver Ralston. He was a 1958 graduate of Gilmer High School and worked in the textile industry as a dye technician. He was retired from Fibro Chem.

He is preceded in death by brother, Loyd Joseph Ralston; infant sisters, Joyce Ralston and Joan Ralston; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Melvin R. and Vena Jane Evans Sales.

He is survived by loving wife, Ruth Ann Sales Ralston. They would have celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary Dec. 23, 2022; son and daughter-in-law, Ricky and Lora Ralston, of Varnell; daughters and son-in-law, Karen and Tony Bearden, of Rocky Face and Kaye Ralston, of Dalton; grandchildren, Jordan Ralston, Shelby (Michael) Rawlings, Tristan Ralston, Matthew (Lauren) Bearden, Kayla Bearden, and Kammi Acree; great-grandchildren, Myles Bearden, Bella Norman, Luke Norman and Bentlei Grissom; sister, Carol Ralston West, of Ellijay; sister-in-law, Barbara Ralston, of Dalton; aunts, Esther Ralston Hefner, of Athens and Shirley Ralston Ellis, of Homer; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held at 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, from Ponders Melrose Chapel with the Rev. Clifford Chambers officiating.

Interment followed in Ponders Colonial Hills Memorial Park and Mausoleum.

Pallbearers were Sam West, Logan Ralston, Doug Ralston, Alan Ridley, Lail Sales and Evan Sales.

Ponders Melrose Chapel was in charge of arrangements.