Joseph Douglas Ralston

Mr. Joseph Douglas "Buddy" Ralston, age 70, of Gainesville, passed away Thursday, May 09, 2013 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center.


Funeral services are scheduled for 2:30 pm 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 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm 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 collectables. He was a skilled craftsman and rarely had idle hands. But, his favorite time was spent watching his 9 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; 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; 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 and 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 Street Gainesville, GA 30501.
Memorial Park North Riverside, 989 Riverside Drive, Gainesville, Georgia 30501, 770-297-6200 is in charge of arrangements. Send on-line condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.