Mr. Ralph Alvin Nation

Ralph Alvin Nation age 84, of Chickamauga, Georgia passed away Friday – January 5, 2024 with complications from a sudden illness. He was a lifelong resident of Chickamauga, GA, born on June 30, 1939. Alvin graduated from Gordon Lee High School in 1957. He was a graduate of Southern Tech and had a Masters Degree from the University of Tennessee. He was a member of the Crawfish Springs Masonic Lodge F&AM #300 in Chickamauga and served as Grand Master in 1978. He was a member of the board at ComTrust Credit Union for thirty years and Chairman of the Board for twenty-five years. He retired after forty-three years as a metallurgist in the lab at Combustion Engineering in Chattanooga, TN. Alvin is preceded in death by his parents: William Burl and Nora Mae Broome Nation of Chickamauga, GA, brother: James William Nation of Rock Spring, GA. He is survived by his nephew: Chuck (Susan) Nation of Murrayville, GA, niece: Carol Broussard Sanford of Denham Springs, LA, grand nieces and nephews: Elizabeth Nation of Cleveland, GA, Jonathan Nation of Flowery Branch, GA, James (Sarah) Nation of Canton, GA, April (Ike) Eldridge of Houston, TX, Thomas Broussard of Moses Lake, WA, Paula Broussard of Denham Springs, LA, sister-in-law: Nancy Nation of Rock Spring, GA, and many cousins. Alvin was a devout Christian who received Christ as his Savior at an early age and lived an exemplary life of faithfulness and commitment to His Lord. He was a member of First Baptist Church Lafayette, GA, and the Pope-Cochran Sunday School Class. Prior to that he was a longtime member of First Baptist Church Chickamauga, GA where he served many years as church treasurer, deacon, chairman of deacons, and on various committees. He served his country with distinction as an SP4 in the United States Army 1962-1968, including being stationed in Ethiopia. During his service he earned the Marksman – Rifle M-1 Award and a Good Conduct Medal. Alvin traveled the world from Hawaii to the Holy Land. For many years he enjoyed riding his Honda Gold Wing motorcycle all over the country, especially with his brother Jimmy. He was a huge NASCAR fan and never missed attending the annual Daytona 500 for over 25 years. He was an antique automobile enthusiast who restored many antique cars, attended many car shows, and took many tours. He was a national championship winner at the National Antique Automobile Club competition in Hershey, PA. Many thanks to all the staff of the Medical ICU at Memorial Hospital Chattanooga, TN for their excellent care and compassionate attention and concern. The family will receive friends Monday from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and after 12 noon on Tuesday. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm – Tuesday – January 9, 2024 in the chapel with Rev. Chuck Nation officiating. Members of Crawfish Springs Masonic Lodge in Chickamauga will serve as pallbearers. Burial will follow at LaFayette Memory Gardens. Arrangements by Wilson Funeral Homes – Chickamauga Chapel. Online register book at www.wilsonfuneralhome.com

Mr. Ralph Alvin Nation

June 30, 1939 - January 5, 2024