Even a good life well lived comes to an end. Richard W Ralston, Jr., a longtime resident of Hixson TN, died, age 93, on 16 October 2024.  Born and raised in Brunswick, GA, he graduated Georgia Tech with a chemical engineering degree and entered the Army where he met his
future wife, Lou Vera Flowers, a native of Missouri.  They married in 1957.  In McIntosh, AL he started a family and a career with Olin Chemical.  After transfers to Niagara Falls, NY and Augusta, GA, Richard and his family settled in Cleveland, TN, where he and his wife raised
three children, Richard, Michael, and Elizabeth.

He was a loving and devoted husband and father.  He enjoyed camping and spending time with family.  He was an avid tennis and racquetball player and volunteered for Opportunity for Adult Reading in Cleveland.

After a successful 35-year career at Olin that included over a dozen patents, Richard and his wife retired to Hixson.  They enjoyed the Chattanooga Symphony and Orchestra.  He continued at Privateer Yacht Club a love of sailing first acquired as a Sea Scout in Brunswick.
He served in many roles at the Yacht Club, including Secretary and Commodore.  He enjoyed volunteering as a diver at the Tennessee Aquarium, retiring at 85 after serving for 15 years.

He is survived by three children, Richard Ralston III, Michael Ralston, and Elizabeth Ralston.

Member of the Unitarian Universalist Church.

A graveside service will be held at 12:30 PM, Tuesday, 22 October 2024, at Chattanooga National Cemetery with Rev. Mandy Goheen. Visitation will be 4-7 pm, Monday, 21 October 2024, at Hamilton Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tennessee Aquarium or the Chattanooga Symphony & Orchestra.

The family would like to thank the VA, Cornerstone Caregiving and staff and aide Debra, Hearth Hospice and Gentle Hands Hospice for their devoted care and support.

Arrangements are by Hamilton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 4506 Hixson Pike, Hixson, TN 37343.