Georgia Speaker Ralston recalled for friendship beyond party

David Ralston
Georgia House Speaker David Ralston speaks from the well of the House of Representatives March 8, 2021. House Speaker Ralston died Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022, at 68, spokesperson Kaleb McMichen said, less than two weeks after he announced he was stepping down because of health concerns. (Emil Moffatt/WABE)

Georgia House Speaker David Ralston was remembered Sunday as not only a powerful politician, but someone whose care for others transcended partisan and other boundaries, as hundreds gathered in the Republican’s hometown of Blue Ridge to remember him after he died on Nov. 16 at age 68.

“David Ralston wanted to connect with people at the heart,” said Republican Rep. Randy Nix of LaGrange, one of four speakers to eulogize Ralston. “Politics were important but people were more important. If you were hurting, the R or the D by your name didn’t really matter.”

Current Gov. Brian Kemp and former governors Sonny Perdue and Nathan Deal were in the crowd at the Fannin County High School Performing Arts Center, along with Ralston’s wife and children, other statewide officials, lawmakers, legislative employees and lobbyists. Ralston’s casket was draped in a Georgia state flag and removed from the stage by an honor guard of state troopers.