John Buckanan Ralson was born July 16, 1930 in Cherokee County to Johnnie Inez and A. J. Ralson, and went to be with the LORD on November 6, 2015. He was preceded in death earlier this year by his wife of 43 years, Judy Belle Ralson and brother, Reverend Maurice Ralson. He is survived by his six children, son Rodger Ralson and wife Karen of Tulsa, Oklahoma; son James Ralson and wife D'Ann of Greenville, Texas; son Douglas Ralson and wife Irene of Carnes, Mississippi; daughter Elizabeth Soriano and husband Tom of Troup, Texas; daughter Tracy Jordan and Husband Gary of Bullard, Texas; Daughter Stephanie Ralson of Carnes, Mississippi. He has 14 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. He is also survived by one brother, Clifton Ralson and wife Margie of Flint, Texas, and sisters; Polly Carter and husband James of Tyler, Texas; Maxine Henderson of Ypsilanti, Michigan; Verna Spencer of Bastrop, Louisiana; Dorothy Campbell of Flint, Texas and Ethyl Thomas and husband Ronald of South Carolina.John had a great love of our LORD and served Him in many capacities. Over the years he has spent time serving as a deacon, on finance committees, teaching Sunday school, singing in choirs and quartets, working with various mission groups traveling both home and abroad to help not only build new facilities and homes, but to help rebuild areas that had been hit by natural disasters. John also served as the Executive Director of Goodwill Industries of East Texas for 24 years. Prior to that he proudly served for 23 years in the United States Air Force, where he retired as Chief Master Sergeant. In his later years he has enjoyed baking his pecan pies for members of the church and of the community. He was currently teaching the Belayers Sunday School Class and a part of Trend Setters at First Baptist Church in Bullard. John loved winning a good game of cards or dominos. The legacy that he has left behind for us is an unmeasurable example of how to love and serve others. He will be remembered most for his love of the Lord and his family, as well as his service to others. A ministry close to his heart was building for Christ. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to the building fund of First Baptist Church of Bullard.Proverbs 3:5-6 Pallbearers include Nathan Ralson, John Jones, Phillip Ralson, Jay Jordan, Michael Skinner and Matt Jordan. Honorary Pallbearers include Shane Padgett, Wesley Wyatt, Todd Turzer and the members of the Belayers Sunday School Class of First Baptist Church.Services will be held Tuesday, November 10th at First Baptist Church of Bullard. Visitation will begin at 9:00 am and the Funeral Service will be at 11:00 am, followed by a brief graveside service at Bullard Cemetary. Services are under the direction of Boren-Conner of Bullard.