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David Ralston Obituary
Ralston, 68, a Republican who came from the hills of North Georgia, was elected speaker by the Republican majority in the chamber in 2010.
He will be remembered for commonsense, nonpartisan legislation, such as the expansion this year of mental health services, as well as reining in Republican colleagues who tried to foment the breakaway of Buckhead from the city of Atlanta.
Ralston began his legislative career in the state Senate, where he represented a North Georgia district as a Republican at a time when Democrats ran the Statehouse. He grew up in the region and hung his lawyer's shingle there after getting a professional start in Athens. He served in the Senate from 1992 to 1998 before making an unsuccessful bid to become Georgia's attorney general.
Ralston returned to the Capitol in 2003 after winning election to Georgia House District 7, which includes Fannin and Gilmer counties and part of Dawson County.
Ralston will lie in state in the rotunda of the state Capitol from 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22 until 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 23.
Visitations will follow at Logan Funeral Home in Ellijay on Friday and Akins-Cobb Funeral Home in Blue Ridge on Saturday.
A memorial service is planned at 1 p.m. on Sunday at the Fannin County High School Performing Arts Center.
Read more about David Ralston on ajc.com
Memories and Condolences
for David Ralston
11 Entries
Allan Abernathy
November 18, 2022
Ralston family, we are so sorry to hear of David's passing. Please know that you are in our prayers and thoughts. Allan & Gail Abernathy
Robin Capps in Powder Springs, GA.
November 17, 2022
This one hurts!! Such a good man!!! Deepest love and sympathy to all of his family.
Ann Jones
November 17, 2022
My sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to family and friends. David Ralston was my friend and was always gracious and willing to help anytime I needed his time and knowledge. He will be missed greatly. Peace be with you. Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4
Lynn Snyder
November 17, 2022
On behalf of the Steering Committee and 1500 members of Georgia Women (and Those Who Stand With Us), we extend our sincere sympathy.
Nancy Richert
November 17, 2022
God Bless all his family and friends, such a great and Honorable man!! Will be greatly missed!!
Charles Elliott Hill II
November 17, 2022
David was a True Southern gentleman and a champion for the people of North Georgia that he represented. I can say that he Truly cared for his clients and felt what they were going through. We will miss you David but I know you are walking those streets of gold celebrating with our True King!
James Wolfe
November 17, 2022
Thank you for your service to our State. May God bless as of comfort your family at this time.
James Parry
November 16, 2022
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Bill stuart
November 16, 2022
Great Man
Jim Butler
November 16, 2022
David Ralston was a Great American, and a true friend of Georgia. He was a very fine man, steadfast and true in all his dealings with everyone. He was my friend since i was 19 and he was 16. I will miss him forever. Jim Butler
George Dyson
November 16, 2022
God Speed David. You will be missed.
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