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Memorial Park Funeral Home - Main Chapel

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Gainesville, Georgia

Joseph Douglas “Buddy” Ralston Obituary

Mr. Joseph Douglas "Buddy" Ralston, age 70, of Gainesville, passed away Thursday, May 9, 2013, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 12, 2013, in the chapel of First Baptist Church of Gainesville. Dr. Bill Coates and Dr. Bruce Morgan will officiate. The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. Saturday, May 11, 2013, at Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel.

Buddy was a Hall County native, born June 12, 1942, and the son of the late Joseph Brown Ralston and Eula Hulsey Ralston. Buddy owned and operated Buddy Ralston Automotive, later known as Mr. Muffler. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Gainesville and the Anglers Sunday School class. Buddy was an avid golfer and a member of the Old Friends Car Club. He enjoyed coaching youth sports for the Gainesville Parks and Recreation and Gainesville Touchdown Club. He was a big NASCAR and Atlanta Braves fan. Buddy enjoyed traveling the roads of North Georgia, visiting friends and finding collectibles. He was a skilled craftsman and rarely had idle hands. But his favorite time was spent watching his nine grandchildren play and grow. He was affectionately known as "Pa."

Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Elaine Mathews Ralston of Gainesville; son and daughter-in-law, Mitch and Lisa Ralston; daughters and sons-in-law, Michele and Jason Griffith and Melanie and Mike Davenport; son and daughter-in-law, Matthew and Leah Ralston; grandchildren, Reeves, Spencer, Anna Mitchell and Brigham Ralston, Ryan, Sims and Banks Griffith and Isabel and Harper Davenport; sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Brad Young; sister and brother-in-law, Patsy Waters Hudgins and Jack; brothers, Jimmie Ralston and Gary Ralston; sister and brother-in-law, Beverly and Steve Greene; sister-in-law and husband, Millicent and John Moreland; brother-in-law and wife, Robert and Joan Mathews; and a number of nieces and nephews also survive.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations made to the First Baptist Church Youth Ministry or the Ministry of Caring and Sharing, 751 Green St., Gainesville, GA 30501.

Memorial Park North Riverside, 989 Riverside Drive, Gainesville, GA 30501, 770-297-6200, is in charge of arrangements. Send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.

Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel, Gainesville

Published by gainesvilletimes.com on May 11, 2013.
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6 Entries

Our prayers are with the family

Dale and Virginia Woody

May 17, 2013

God bless you Elaine and your family at this time...

Charles & Elaine Peck

May 11, 2013

Elaine, I am sorry to hear about Buddy, he was one fine man and friend. I will be praying for you and your children during this time of sorrow but look forward to seeing him again someday.

Jimmy Smith

May 11, 2013

Our deepest sympathy to all the family for your loss.
Lowell and Mardy Fulenwider

Mardy Fulenwider

May 11, 2013

Edmund & Anne Waller

May 11, 2013

Elaine was always Buddy's "Special Angel"...
Thank God for her loving care and devotion for 51 years. Being blessed with four wonderful children and nine beautiful grandchildren was truly his greatest joy. May peace, love, and beautiful memories remain with each of you forever.

Aunt Patsy

May 11, 2013

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Memorial Park Funeral Home - Main Chapel

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