Mr. Howard Clifton Ralston, age 82 of Dalton, passed away Thursday, November 3rd, 2022 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Howard was born on July 11th, 1940 in Blue Ridge to the late Howard Wayne Ralston and D. Elizabeth "Lizzie" Weaver Ralston. He was a 1958 graduate of Gilmer County High School and worked in the textile industry as a dye technician. He was retired from Fibro Chem. In addition to his parents, Howard is preceded in death by his 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.

Survivors include his loving wife, Ruth Ann Sales Ralston of the home and would have celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary on December 23rd, 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 also survive.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 5th at 4:00 p.m. from Ponders Melrose Chapel with Rev. Clifford Chambers officiating. Interment will follow in Ponders Colonial Hills Memorial Park and Mausoleum. Pallbearers serving will be Sam West, Logan Ralston, Doug Ralston, Alan Ridley, Lail Sales, and Evan Sales.

The family will receive friends Saturday, November 5th at Ponders Melrose Chapel from 2:00 p.m. until the service hour.

Ponders Melrose Chapel is in charge of arrangements.