Ralph Chastain

Mr. Ralph Chastain, age 72, of Sautee-Nacoochee, Georgia, passed from this earth to our Heavenly Father's home on October 10, 2013 from cancer.

Ralph was born on April 2, 1941 in Towns County, Georgia, to the late Louise Canup Chastain and Vea Chastain.

Survivors include his wife of 18 years, Marsha Lynn Hodges Chastain. A stepdaughter Jennifer Rewcastle Conklin and her husband Matthew, of Gulf Breeze, Florida. Two step grandchildren Savannah Skye Conklin and Journey Noelle Conklin, also of Gulf Breeze.

Also included are five sisters, Bettie Webb of Sparks, Nevada; Janie Berrong of Hiawassee and her husband Gary; Lou Malpartida of Miami, Florida and her husband Henry; Judy Truesdale of LaMiranda, California; Bobbie Lee of Gainesville, Georgia and her husband Doug; and a sister-in-law, Myrtle Chastain of Helen, Georgia.

Ralph was baptized as a young boy at Calvary Baptist Church in Towns County. He believed in God and knew that there was a better life in the hereafter.

He served his country in the United States Army in the Republic of Vietnam during 1966 and 1967. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service and the Army Commendation Medal. The Bronze Star Medal is the fourth-highest individual military award and the ninth-highest by order of precedence in the U.S. Military.

Ralph retired after 30 years with Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in Atlanta, Georgia. He was also employed 10 years at SKF Manufacturing in Flowery Branch, Georgia before being diagnosed with Agent Orange.

He loved all things outdoors and was an excellent marksman. He lived to hunt, fish and hike. An avid NASCAR fan, he was always thrilled to see Toyotas cross the finish lines first.

Lexus, his faithful, loyal and loving cat, stayed by his side during his illnesses for 8+ years before passing in June of this year. Lexus has been waiting on the Rainbow Bridge, where he and Ralph will cross over together side by side as they did in life.

Graveside services will be held on Monday, October 14, 2013 at Old Union Baptist Church Cemetery in Young Harris, Georgia at two o'clock in the afternoon.

Brother Robert "Jack" Hicks of Cleveland, Georgia will officiate. Pallbearers are Anthony Davenport of Hayesville, North Carolina; David Chastain of Long Creek, South Carolina; Terry Davenport of Hayesville, North Carolina; Jason Edwards of Young Harris, Georgia, Jay Edwards of Young Harris, Georgia; and Tim Nix of Cleveland, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers charitable donations may be made in his memory to: Animal Rescue Carolina, PO Box 210668, Columbia, South Carolina 29221 and/or Fancy Feline Rescue of the South, 1311 Echo Mill Court, Powder Springs, Georgia 30127.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee.