Ralph Hilburn

Coach Ralph Hilburn, age 79, of Muscadine, AL, passed away February 17, 2018. Coach Hilburn was born March 5, 1938 in Piedmont, AL to the late A.J. and Nobie Stewart Hilburn. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Linda Hilburn and son, Brent Hilburn. Ralph Hilburn was not only a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather; he was a coach, father-figure, friend, advocate and inspiration to thousands of young men and women. Coach Hilburn graduated from Piedmont High School Class of 1956, attended Snead Jr. College and graduated from Jacksonville State University. He spent one year coaching basketball at Ohatchee, then at Spring Garden High School, he was the head basketball coach for nine years and started the football program. In 1972 he came to Haralson County High School. Here he was the head baseball coach for seven years, head basketball coach for thirteen years and assistant football coach for four years. Coach Hilburn is survived by his wife, Faye Laminack Hilburn, of Muscadine; granddaughters and their spouses, Lindsey and Josh Rogers and Breanna and Brent Bailey; step-sons and their spouses, Paul and Diane Robinson and Joe and Laura Robinson, all of Muscadine; sister-in-law, Pat and Donnie Richard, of North Carolina; brother-in-law, Mike and Kathy Martin, of Guntersville, AL; and five great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held February 19, 2018 at 2:00 PM at the Haralson County High School Fine Arts Center with Rev. Richard Branon and Denver Morgan speaking. Buddy Knapp gave the eulogy. Music was provided by Johnny Wright and Randy Garrett. Pallbearers serving were Randy Patterson, Randy Pullen, Wesley Clackum, Randy Jackson, Ricky Tolleson, Ted Acker, and Dennis Ragsdale. Coach Hilburn's former players served as honorary pallbearers. Interment followed in Hollywood Cemetery with Freddie Parham and Brandall Boling presiding. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to Spring Garden or Haralson County High School Athletic programs. Donations may be made directly or sent to Miller Funeral Home 41 W Mill Street, Tallapoosa, GA 30176. Miller Funeral Home, Tallapoosa, Ga.