Update/obituary: Capt. David D Ralston
April 28, 1937 ~ September 5, 2021 (age 84)
To view the obituary and share memories online please visit
the funeral home website at
https://www.macedoniamemorial.com/obituary/David-Ralston
Captain David Ralston, a resident of Canton, Georgia, passed
away September 5, 2021.
David was born on April 28, 1937 in Rochester, New York, to
Gilbert and Freda (Suits) Ralston. He
attended West High School and Marshall High School. After graduation, he attended the University
of Rochester and the University of Buffalo.
In 1958, he joined the U.S. Air Force and was accepted into
Pilot Training and upon graduation, became a Fighter Pilot. David was hired by Delta Air Lines in 1963 to
start their Pilot Training Program. He
retired in 1995 as an International Captain.
He met Sandra Eskridge on a flight and they married on March
4, 1973 and had two daughters. He was
preceded in death by four sisters, one brother and grandson, Ian Ralston. David
is survived by his wife Sandy, daughters Stephanie Taylor and Elizabeth Reagan
(Sean). Also surviving are grandchildren
Heidi Reagan, Chloe Reagan, Colette Taylor, Hunter Taylor and Maggie Reagan.
The family would like to thank Amedisys Hospice for their
wonderful care.
A private family
service is being held at the National Cemetery in Canton.
Donations in David’s memory may be made to CURE, Children’s
Cancer Research at Emory.
~ IN MEMORY ~
DL Capt. David D. Ralston
April 28, 1937 ~ September 5, 2021
CARES
AND CONCERNS
Thank you to Mrs. Sandra
Ralston for sending the sad news of the death of her husband, retired Delta
Captain David Daniel Ralston, 84. Captain Dave was born 4/28/1937 and was
hired by Delta 9/30/1963.
Expressions of condolence may be sent to Mrs. Ralston at 329 Lakeside Trace,
Canton GA 30115 --- email <ddralston56@gmail.com>. I will forward
additional information as it becomes available.
Dave
Thank you,
~ Carol for the PCN
Salute, Dave, you were one of the best.
ReplyDeleteDan Funk
Flew a charter from Buffalo to Florida. Dave asked permission to fly over Niagara Falls. He gave me the airplane and made PAs fir 10 minutes as we circled around so all in left and right side of aircraft could sightsee and take photos. Loved flying with him.
ReplyDeleteThere was never an unhappy moment around Dave.He always had a smile on his face and made the rest of us smile whether we wanted to or not. He definitely was one of the pillars of our Chicago pilot base. You couldn't want a better friend. Wherever you are , Dave it's a better place because you arrived. Here's to you, Dick Gardner
ReplyDeleteI never flew with Dave but went to many a lunch and a dinner or two with him. Always smiling; one of the guys who made the place a bit brighter. We'll miss you, Dave - rest in peace. Tony Couch
ReplyDeleteAlways loved flying with Dave, one of the good guys.
ReplyDeleteCharles Chauvin
Dave flew co-pilot with me back in the old days. He was a lot of fun to be with and had lots of interesting stories. We had a common interest in old cars and talked a lot about them. I really enjoyed working with him.
ReplyDeleteAubrey Hair MD-11 Capt ret.
Well said Dick. Dave was the professional airline captain we all wanted to emulate. Dave was also a genuinely warm and thoughtful human being (like yourself may I add:)
ReplyDeleteRest In Peace Dave.
Erik Schumy