Ralph L. Gatlin

Born May 21st to Ruby and Horace Gatlin in Thomaston, Georgia, Ralph L. Gatlin was part of a large, hard-working family. This family came to include he and 9 other brothers and sisters. After a move from Thomaston to Griffin, Georgia, the Gatlin’s resided on North 12th Street. Many stories of mischief could be told from each brother and sister about one another, but love was the center of this mill village home. Growing up, Ralph played football for Griffin High School. After high school, he felt the call to duty and joined the Air Force in 1950. He was stationed in San Antonio, Colorado, and South Dakota until 1954. He was a cook while in the Air Force, and could make the best breakfast in the military. He was honored to be a part of our nation’s freedom and never bragged about the sense of pride he felt, but regarded it with the utmost reverence. After his service, he moved back to Griffin. There he pursued what would become another passion of his… Sarah Jane Lofton. He used his quick-witted sense of humor and good looks to court her. While they dated, he worked at McLean Trucking Company and attained a business degree. He supported Jane in her goal of becoming a registered nurse at Crawford Long Hospital. Their courtship was swift. Ralph was persuasive though and he “won” over her affections. After driving all night to propose, she agreed. They decided to get married before she graduated from nursing school. This, you see, was forbidden back in 1956 while Jane was earning her nursing degree. On May 18, 1956, they married during a secret, intimate ceremony in First Baptist Church’s parlor. Ralph left McLean Trucking in Atlanta and went into business with his father in-law, Hulon Lofton. Ralph helped Hulon run the grocery store until Hulon passed away in 1962. Ralph later purchased the store from his mother in-law and renamed the business Gatlin’s Grocery. He later sold the business in 1966 when another sales opportunity was presented with State Farm Insurance. He became everyone’s “Good Neighbor” and enjoyed using his business platform to show humility, understanding, and grace. Ralph and Jane had three children and, eventually, eight grandchildren. Throughout his life, Ralph was a frequent sight at the Griffin City Park and Cabin Creek Golf Course. He would grab his candy bar, coke, and golf cart and, after 18 holes, Ralph was a new man. When his goal of a “hole in one” was achieved, he took Jane out to dinner to celebrate. He believed in truth, hard work, love of family and friends, and his faith in the Lord. He lived life to the fullest, whether he was at work, on the golf course, at church, or at his home. He showed that courage, will power, and faith can overcome any disparity. He raised his children with a firm belief in discipline along with unconditional love. His spirit was filled with a can do attitude because there was no room for anything else. He never spoke a bad word about anyone. His legacy will continue to shine through anyone that knew him. He was a mill worker, Air Force veteran, a truck driver, grocery store owner, State Farm Agent, church deacon, golfer, artist, and most recently, author of three published western novels. However, his most important role was Christian servant. Those that will continue to honor his memory and spirit include his beloved wife Jane, his children and their spouses: Melissa and Mark Gatlin, Linda and Wade Gatlin, Amy and Mike Jones; his grandchildren: Anna Ruth Gatlin, Alyson Gatlin, Heather and Andrew Gatlin, Taylor and Wesley Gatlin, Peter Gatlin, Madison Jones, Joshua Gatlin, and Janie Jones. He is also survived by Madeliene and his brother Harold “Butch” Gatlin, sister-in-law Jean Gatlin, in-laws Judy Coleman, Joyce and Van Gardner and many nieces and nephews. Ralph was loved by many and respected by all. He will be missed dearly. In lieu of flowers, the family would like any donations to go to the First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 908, Griffin, Georgia 30224 - Benevolence Fund in memory of Mr. Gatlin. Visitation for Mr. Ralph L. Gatlin will be on Wednesday, April 27, 2016 from 6:00pm until 8:00pm at Conner-Westbury Funeral Home. A funeral service will be conducted on Thursday, April 28, 2016 at 4:00pm at Griffin First Baptist Church. Reverend Max Hamilton, Jr., Mr. Wayne Brown, and Dr. Bruce Morgan will officiate. Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery.

Ralph L. Gatlin

May 21, 1932 - April 25, 2016