Obituaries

Robert F. Ralston

Photo of Robert F. Ralston
Robert F. Ralston, 70, passed away on September 6, 2020, at his home in Little Rock surrounded by family. Bob was born in Waterloo, N.Y., to Mary Lou and Robert Ralston on September 8, 1949. Bob graduated from Ole Main High School in North Little Rock and attended the University of Arkansas. He and his wife, Gloria, were members of Geyer Springs First Baptist Church. He pursued a career in golf for 51 years. Bob turned pro in 1969. He has been a member of the Professional Golfers Association for 43 years, PGA National Senior Player of The Year 2003, inducted into the Arkansas State Golf Association Hall of Fame in 2004 and South Central PGA Hall of Fame in 2012. He was a two-time Arkansas Open Champion. Bob enjoyed time on the PGA Tour and PGA Tour Champions. Bob was head pro at Maumelle Country Club, Belvedere Country Club, First Tee of Arkansas and Stuttgart Country Club. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his in-laws, Christina and Charlie Akridge. He is survived by his wife, Gloria Akridge Ralston, and their three children, Jennifer Ralston-Day (Glen) of Little Rock, Dustin Ralston (Kathy) of Cabot, and Heath Ralston (Leah Beth) of North Little Rock; his pride and joy were his five grandchildren, Whitney Day-Sweeney (Tyler) of Oxford, Miss., Christina Day of Little Rock, Hogan Ralston and Hanna Ralston of Cabot and Reese Ralston of North Little Rock; his siblings, Steve Ralston of North Little Rock, Donna Jacks of White Hall, Molly Richardson and her husband, Robert, of Benton, and Joe Ralston and his wife, Amanda, of North Little Rock; as well as a number of nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. today, Wednesday, September 9, 2020 at Smith Little Rock Funeral Home at 8801 Knoedl Ct., Little Rock, Ark. 72205. A funeral service is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Thursday, September 10, 2020, at Geyer Springs First Baptist with Brother Paul Sanders and Reverend Max Pyron of Geyer Springs First Baptist Church officiating. Burial will follow at Volman Cemetery in Bigelow. Memorials may be given to The Ralston Family Foundation to provide scholarships to college golfers at P.O. Box 1391, Cabot, Ark. 72023 and Geyer Springs First Baptist Church, main location renovation. Arrangements are made by Smith Little Rock Funeral Home, (501)224-2200. Online guestbook at www.smithfamilycares.com.

Published September 9, 2020

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