Richard Harrison Ralston, II, age 84, of Buckhannon, WV, died Saturday, December 28, 2024, at Mountain Memories Assisted Living & Retirement in Elkins, WV. He was born May 26, 1940, in Buckhannon, a son of the late Richard H. Sr. and Freda Mae Colvin Ralston.
On July 12, 1986, he married Carole Burkhead who survives. Also surviving are three sons, Richard H. Ralston III and wife Janice of Canonsburg, PA, Kirk Parsons and wife Paula of Marriottsville, MD and Kyle Parsons and wife Lisa of Timonium, MD; three daughters, Michelle Ralston Rheinheimer and husband Kurwin Denny of Winston Salem, NC, Kristina Hopkins and partner Kevin Campbell of Charlotte, NC and Kari Gaudet and husband Stuart of Falls Church, VA; 13 grandchildren, Carly Ralston of Canonsburg, Halie Ralston of Bethlehem, PA, Will Rheinheimer and Allison and Brandon Denny all of Winston-Salem, Trey Parsons and wife Mia of Elkridge, MD, Katie Hopkins of Durham, NC, Kinsey Hopkins-Campbell of New Orleans, LA, Hannah Gaudet of Somerville, MA, Piper Gaudet of Falls Church, Giulia Parsons of Phoenix, AZ, Sophia Parsons of Timonium, and Julian McDaniel of Belmont, NC; one great-granddaughter, Zoey Parsons of Elkridge; one sister, Mary Anna Gaudet and husband Larry of Knoxville, TN and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Colvin Ralston.
Mr. Ralston was a dedicated member of the Buckhannon community. He owned the Ralston Press and served as the sports editor for the Buckhannon Record. Mr. Ralston was an announcer for high school football games, he presided over the Chamber of Commerce, chaired the Strawberry Festival and held various key roles in the Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, including president of the church’s Parish Council. Additionally, he shared his love for music by singing in the church choir and the Buckhannon Choral Society.
In honoring his wishes, Mr. Ralston will be cremated. A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 2 PM at Chapel Hill UMC with Paul Rebelo officiating. There will be a reception following the services in Engle Hall.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to “Band of Brothers” can be sent to Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, 88 S Kanawha St, Buckhannon, WV, 26201.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
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