Ralph Meeks Courson

Mr. Ralph Meeks Courson age 83 of Pearson, Ga. passed away Monday, July 4, 2011 at Coffee Regional Medical Center in Douglas, Ga. following a short illness. A native of Atkinson County, Ga., Mr. Courson was born on June 24, 1928, son of Levi and Lessie Adams Courson. He was a retired postmaster for the United States Postal Service and also worked as a poultry farmer, He was a member of Sweetwater United Methodist Church. He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict and was a member of the American Legion Post #173 in Pearson, Ga. Mr. Courson was preceded in death by his wife, Marie Batten Courson. Survivors include: 1 Son: Brad Courson of Pearson, Ga. 1 Daughter: Teresa Smith and husband Mackie of Pearson, Ga. 2 Grandchildren: Brooke Smith and Anslee Smith of Pearson, Ga. 2 Sisters: Beadie Swygert of Dalton, Ga. Nelva Carlton of Ooltewuah, Tenn. Several Sister-in-Laws, Brother-in-Laws, Nieces and Nephews also survive. Funeral services for Mr. Courson were held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, July 7, 2011 at Sweetwater United Methodist Church in Pearson, Ga. with Rev. Frank Littleton and Bro. DQ Pittman officiating. Special music selections included "Lift Me Up', "You Deliver Me", and "Go Rest High On That Mountain" rendered by John Lang soloist/pianist. Soft music for the Prelude and Postlude was provided by John Lang, pianist. The interment followed in Sweetwater Cemetery with Military Honors rendered by a U.S. Army Honor Guard Contingent from Ft. Stewart, Ga. Serving as active pallbearers were Terry Morris, Bernard Pelz, Ricky Courson, Glenn Walker, Jim Clement, and Cleveland Register. The congregation of Sweetwater United Methodist Church served as honorary pallbearers. Relihan Funeral Home of Pearson, Ga. was in charge of the arrangements.