William Jack Ralston

Jack Ralston passed away in Naples, FL on November 12, 2018. Jack grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee and attended Central High School. After high school Jack served in the navy. Jack Ralston was a highly respected builder in Chattanooga for over 30 years. Throughout, the years Ralston has had many firsts, he built the first “Show Home” for the home builders association of Chattanooga. His dedication had also been recognized on a national level. In 1970 he was selected by Parents Magazine to build a “Mother’s Day House” that served as a positive image to the general public of his and the industry’s pride and dedication to excellence. He was the first developer to build a townhouse project that started a trend in Chattanooga. Ralston also built one of the first garden apartments in the Chattanooga area. Ralston was a leader in the industry. He not only built custom and spec homes, he had developed subdivisions with special features. His Ashwood subdivision is one of the first in Chattanooga to have smaller lots, sidewalks and street lamps. This was done to be more affordable and encourage a “closer community.” Ralston had also served in every senior office of both the Chattanooga association and of the Home Builders Association of Tennessee. He was honored as “builder of the year” by both associations. Jack had also served as Co-Chairman of the first Pre-Show for the home show of the trade center, membership Drive-Team captain, chairman of the housing committee for the Greater Chattanooga Area Chamber Of Commerce, Sertoma Club’s Freedom Program Committee and many others. Untitled portions of importance. Although Jack had been retired, builders would still seek his advice and guidance on many issues faced today. Ralston was a true builder, he not only gave of his own time, money and talent, but of his heart and that is bigger than any house ever built. Jack is survived by his wife Eva (Tessie) Ralston and his three children, Steve Ralston (Carol), Sherrie Marlin (Steve) and Sabrina Ralston Altman. Jack was also survived by his grandchildren, Sean Ralston, Steven Ralston, Amber Cowley (Ross), Adam Marlin, Andrew Hood (Shannon), Tesslyn Hood and Sophia Altman and four great-grandchildren, Brady Jack and Berkley Ralston, Eva and Sam Cowley.