David Ralston

It is with heavy hearts, but immense gratitude for his remarkable life, that we announce the passing of David F. Ralston on Sunday, January 11, 2026. He is now eternally reunited with his cherished wife of 61 years, Evelyn Ralston, who passed away on October 12, 2013.

David’s life was a masterclass in forging stability from chaos. His beginnings were not just humble; they were deeply impoverished and unstable. Never knowing his father and raised as an only child by his grandmother, his early years were marked by a precariousness that would have broken a lesser spirit. It was this very instability that fueled a quiet, unyielding resolve. He found his foundation in the United States Army—for a young man from an impoverished background, it was the bedrock of order, discipline, and honor he craved.

His service to his country led him to his life's greatest gift. It was at his first duty station where he walked into a local diner and met Evelyn, the young woman working there who would become his devoted wife. Their love story became the anchor for his world and the foundation upon which he built everything that mattered for the next 61 years.

David’s military career was nothing short of distinguished. His ambition was boundless, culminating in his promotion to Sergeant Major, the highest enlisted rank an individual can achieve in the U.S. Army—an honor attained by less than one percent of the enlisted force. While serving, he also earned an Associate's Degree and graduated from the prestigious United States Army Sergeants Major Academy. He was immensely proud of his 29½ years of service, especially his time as a paratrooper.

Having grown up without a blueprint for family life, David embraced the role he understood best: the provider and the disciplinarian. It was Evelyn who was the true heart of their home. She masterfully took the lead in raising their four children, providing the daily warmth, patience, and nurturing that complemented David’s focus on structure. His love for his children was unquestionable, though filtered through the lens of a career soldier who valued resilience and preparedness above all else. His pride in them was absolute, and his heart swelled to see his legacy of service continue as two of them followed his path into the military. He considered the family they built his greatest legacy, a legacy that grew to include David F. Ralston Jr. (Lorraine Ralston), Col. (Ret.) Robert L. Ralston (Stacy L. Ralston), Tammy L. McGuire (SGM (Ret.) Joe T. McGuire), Pam S. Jones (SGM (Ret.) Chris T. Jones) and  eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

From the most impoverished of beginnings, David F. Ralston forged a life of extraordinary honor. He will be remembered for his quiet strength, his unwavering faith, and for the complex, enduring legacy he and Evelyn leave behind. He will be laid to rest beside his beloved Evelyn at the Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery, their final chapter written together.

Dr. Robert L. Ralston

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