Mr. Ralph Melvin Matthews Sr., age 65, of Dalton, Georgia, departed this life Monday, January 27, 2014 at the local hospital. Ralph was born April 13, 1948 in Calhoun, Georgia, a son of the late Thurston and Annie Grace Ray Matthews. He was also preceded in death by his son, Ralph Matthews Jr., brothers, Kenny and David Matthews. He proudly services his country in the United States Marines. He was retired from Shaw Industries.

He is survived by his son, David Matthews of Dalton, GA; daughter and son-in-law, Tara and Estel Cummings of Chatsworth, GA; sister and brother-in-law, Pat and Terry Jumper of Dalton, GA; grandchildren, Toshia, Jason, and Hunter Cummings; great grandson, Jakoby; nephew, David Lamar Matthews; nieces, Stephenie Lanhon, Hannah and Heather Jumper; special friends, Jeff and Kelly Jones of Dalton, GA and many other close friends,

Services to celebrate the life of Mr. Ralph Melvin Matthews Sr. will be held Thursday January 30, 2014 at 11:00 A.M. from the Ponders Melrose Chapel with Reverend Gary McPherson officiating. Interment will follow in the Chattanooga National Cemetery with Lydel Lunsford, Joseph Jones, Marshall Chastain, Jeff Cowart, Keith Stanley and Garret Stanley serving as pallbearers. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. on Wednesday.

The arrangements by Ponders Funeral Home, Melrose Chapel, Dalton, GA. 30721; 706 226 -4002 "Funerals.Cremations.Cemeteries.Pre-Planning.Florists"