Fayetteville, NC - Ralph Michael Burton, age 62, passed away June 29, 2023, in Fayetteville, NC. Memorial services will be held Sunday, July 9, 2023, at 2:00 P.M. in the chapel of Mathis Funeral Home in Cochran. Burial will be in Salem Baptist Church Cemetery in Bleckley County. The family will greet friends from 1:00 P.M. until time for the service Sunday at Mathis Funeral Home.

Ralph, was a long-time resident of Metairie, LA but was originally from Cochran, GA. He was the son of the late Carl LaRue Burton and Neola Bonnette Burton and was preceded in death by his special friend, Barbara Jean Lanasa, his siblings Bruce Burton, Norma Ann Burton Bowen and his nephew Kelly James Bowen. Ralph was a loving father, grandfather, and a friend to many. Ralph left a lasting impact on everyone who met him. He was generous, never met a crab trap he couldn't bait, and loved to tell a joke (even at his own expense).

He is survived by his five children, Michael Smith, Kelly Burton, Mitchell Burton, Derek (Sherry) Burton, Meredith (Hunter) Rouillier; his three grandsons Seth Burton, Sean Burton, and Thomas Burton; siblings Stephen (Phyllis) Burton of Cochran, Mary (Brian) St. John of Vidor, TX, Carl Patrick (Maureen) Burton of Spirit Lake, ID and Iris (Greg) Oberry of Cochran; several nieces, nephews and his beloved dog Minnie.

Special thanks to Unity Funeral Services in Fayetteville, NC. In lieu of flowers, please think of Ralph today with prayers, laughs, and an ice-cold drink.