Ralph Melvin Matthews Sr., 65, of Dalton, GA, died on Monday, January 27, 2014 at the local hospital.
Ralph was born April 13, 1948 in Calhoun, GA to the late Thurston and Annie Grace Ray Matthews; and was also preceded in death by his son, Ralph Matthews Jr.; and brothers, Kenny and David Matthews.
He proudly served his country in the United States Marines. He was retired from Shaw Industries.
He is survived by his son, David Matthews of Dalton, GA; daughter and son-in-law, Tara and Estel Cummings of Chatsworth, GA; sister and brother-in-law, Pat and Terry Jumper of Dalton, GA; grandchildren, Toshia, Jason and Hunter Cummings; great-grandson, Jakoby; nephew, David Lamar Matthews; nieces, Stephenie Lanhon, Hannah and Heather Jumper; special friends, Jeff and Kelly Jones of Dalton; and many other close friends.
Services to celebrate the life of Mr. Ralph Melvin Matthews Sr. will be held Thursday, January 30, at 11 a.m. from the Ponders Melrose Chapel with Reverend Gary McPherson officiating. Interment will follow in the Chattanooga National Cemetery with Lydel Lunsford, Joseph Jones, Marshall Chastain, Jeff Cowart, Keith Stanley and Garret Stanley serving as pallbearers.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5-9 p.m. on Wednesday, January 29.