Tony Dale Ralph

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we announce the passing of Tony Dale Ralph, who departed this life on June 13, 2025, at the age of 69, due to complications from kidney and liver failure.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at Piney Grove Baptist Church, 20 GA-315, Fortson, GA 31808 with Rev. Mickey Adams officiating, according to McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be held at Piney Grove Baptist Church Cemetery following the services.

Born on July 20, 1955, in Owensboro, Kentucky, Tony's journey through life was marked by a profound sense of duty, a thirst for knowledge, and an abiding love for his family.

Tony carved a notable path in his professional life, retiring as a Civil Servant having served as an Inspector General at Fort Benning, GA. His dedication to service extended beyond his civilian career, having honed his leadership skills during his tenure in the United States Marine Corps where he was honorably discharged. He further distinguished himself as an Infantry Officer in the United States Army, where he attended and later taught the Officer Advance Course at Fort Benning, receiving several commendations, including an Army Commendation Medal, and earning the prestigious EIB, Airborne Wings, and Air Assault Badge. His military career encapsulated not only achievements but also a steadfast commitment to excellence and accountability.

An alumnus of Murray State University, Tony was proud to be a recipient of the ROTC Army Scholarship, graduating Cum Laude with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. He furthered his education with a Master’s degree in Personnel Management and a Master of Science in International Relations, both from Troy State University. His academic endeavors were fueled by an insatiable curiosity and a desire for understanding that transcended the confines of textbooks.

Tony was truly a man of many dimensions. Those who knew him experienced the delightful juxtaposition of his personality—a blend of sharp sarcasm and hearty humor, companioned by a heart of gold that lingered beneath a rough exterior. He was not just a soldier, a civil servant, or a scholar; he was a devoted husband to Marion "Claudette" Cady Ralph, a loving father to Nicole Greer (Mike)  and Matthew Ralph (Anna), and a cherished grandfather to Allison Greer, Kate Greer, Isla Ralph, and Boden Ralph, baby to be later this fall. He often spoke with immense pride about his family, grounding himself in the love shared with them, which remained one of his proudest accomplishments.

In his leisure, Tony gravitated towards the exploration of historical sites and battlefields, finding joy in sitting on cannons and tanks, which reflected an enduring fascination with military history. His love for reading enveloped him; he dedicated hours to the study of theology, shaping a life that was not only historically rich but spiritually grounded.

Tony leaves behind a legacy not only within his immediate family—his brother Allen Ralph (Mary) and nieces Elizabeth Ralph Groves (Matt) and Leah Ralph; and brother Barry Ralph (Terry, deceased) and niece Aaronn Ralph Boyd (Josh). He was preceded in death by his father, A. Howard Ralph and his mother, Barbara Farley Ralph.

Tony Dale Ralph’s spirit, characterized by his love for family, thirst for knowledge, especially of God's Word, and unwavering commitment to his service, will forever resonate in the hearts and minds of those who had the privilege to know him. As we bid farewell to this remarkable man, we reflect on a life well-lived, deeply cherished, and profoundly missed.