Lee Franklin Ralston, 80, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.

Major Ralston was born in Charleston, West Virginia on 14 Dec 1944.

He enlisted in the Marine Corps in Jan 1962, first serving three tours in Vietnam, followed by tours in Okinawa, Japan, Guam, Marine Research and Development Center, Quantico, Virginia, He obtaining the rank of Staff Sergeant prior to being commissioned a Second Lieutenant in June 1974.

From June 1974 to June 1975 Second Lieutenant Ralston served as the Platoon Commander for Wing Transportation Squadron 17, at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan.

Upon returning from Japan he was was assigned as the Motor Transportation Officer for Wing Transportation Squadron 27, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina.

During 1980 Captain Ralston was reassigned to the 3d Marine Division, Okinawa, Japan, where he served as the Assistant Division Motor Transport Officer.

Upon his return from Okinawa Captain Ralston was assigned to Detachment A, 2nd Force Service Support Group, MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina.

Major Ralston assumed command of Marine Wing Support Squadron 473, Detachment Bravo, Wyoming, PA in Jun 1986.

During the period 9 January 1991 through 26 April 1991, when the Reserve Forces were mobilized, Major Ralston took his Marines to Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Desert Storm.  Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia the Wyoming Valley marines soon earned the nickname of the "Baghdad Express".

Major Ralston's personal decorations include Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal with three bronze stars, Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze stars, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, South west Asia Defense Service Medal with bronze star, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with two bronze stars, Vietnam Civil Action Ribbon , the Meritorious Unit Citation, and Kuwait Liberation Medal. He is also a lifetime member of the VFW Post 9097 in Hurricane, WV, and the Marine Corps League.

With an overwhelming sense of pride and to honor and remember my brother-in-law who became my big brother - a Marine, a friend, and above all, a man of incredible strength, compassion, and integrity.

From a young boy with a mischievous grin, to the man who would go the ends of the earth to protect others.  There was something about him - a quiet determination, a sense of duty, a commitment to something greater than himself.  That was who he was, whether he was in uniform, or at home.

My brother's decision to become a Marine was not just a career choice; it was a calling.  It was a reflection of his deep sense of responsibility - to serve, to protect, and to be part of something larger than himself.  He didn't take his oath lightly.  The values he learned in the Corps - honor, courage, and commitment - were not just words to him; they were the guiding principles by which he lived every day.

To those who knew him, my brother was more than a Marine.  He was a constant source of strength, support, and loyalty.  He had a heart that could not be measured in size, because it was limitless.  He would take the time to listen, to help, and to ensure those around him felt valued.  I saw it in the way he spoke to others, the way he lifted them up, especially when they felt like they couldn't stand on their own.

I remember the stories he'd share from his time in service.  They were full of camaraderie, hard work, and, yes, a good bit of humor to enlighten even the darkest days.  But there was always a sense of respect in his voice when he spoke of his fellow Marines - how they became more than brothers in arms, but brothers in life.

His commitment to his brothers and sisters in arms was unwavering, but so was his commitment to his family. No matter where he was in the world, no matter the distance or the challenges, he never failed to stay connected with those he loved.  As a big brother, he was protective, supportive, and always had your back - even when he was thousands of miles away.

He also had this unique ability to make people feel seen, to make you feel like you mattered, no matter the situation.  Even on the toughest days, when everything felt uncertain, my brother had a way of making you believe in yourself, too.

The void he leaves behind is immense, but I know as he would want us to, that we must carry on.  We carry on the legacy of his strength, his love, and his unwavering commitment to serving others.  He will forever be with us - in every laugh, every shared memory, and in the quiet moments when we feel his presence.

To my big brother, my hero, my Marine - thank you.  Thank you for showing us what it truly means to be brave, to be selfless, to love fiercely, and to live with purpose.  You were, and always will be, our pride, and our inspiration.

We will miss you more that words can express, but we will honor you in everything we do.  Rest easy, Marine.  You are home now.

Semper Fi. Major Lee F. Ralston

He was preceded in death by his loving daughter, Lisa Marie Ralston; parents, Leroy and Margret Ralston; sister, Sue Davis; father and mother-in-law, Jim and Dorothy Miller; brother-in-law, Scott Miller.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 59 1/2 years, Evelyn K. (Miller) Ralston; son, Lee F. "Frankie" Ralston II; sisters, Ann Reynolds of Dunbar, Alice Whitt (John) of Georgia; sisters-in-law, Cheryl Cox of Nitro, Kathy Taylor (Ralph) of Dunbar; Mildred Shelton of Oak Hill; brother-in-law, Jim Miller (Gail) of Florida; along with a host of nieces and nephews whom he loved very much.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m on Thursday, January 23, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar with Pastor John Mason officiating with burial to follow in Donal C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery with Pastor Sarah Lamb officiating.

Family will welcome visitors one hour prior to the service at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.
www.kellerfuneralhome.net