Joseph H. Ralston

CHURCHVILLE – Joseph Hopkins “Joey” Ralston, 58, passed away Thursday, July 11, 2024, in his home.

Joey was born March 19, 1966 in Staunton, the son of the late Jack Hopkins and Jo Ann Sensabaugh Ralston. He graduated from Buffalo Gap High School in 1984 and had been employed by Dominion Energy for 24 years. Joey was a longtime member of St. James United Methodist Church and was very active in the life of the church. He loved bluegrass festivals, woodworking, camping and trips to the beach.

Surviving are two daughters, Katherine “Katie” Ralston of Churchville and Krystal Colaw (husband James) of Blue Grass; two sisters, Jackie McGovern (Alan) of Staunton and Jan Pitsenbarger (husband Eddy) of Churchville; his grandson, William Hopkins Colaw; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Stephen Douglas Ralston. Joey’s faithful canine companion, “Tripp,” passed away on the same day as his beloved Joey.

A funeral service will be held at 10 am on Monday, July 15 in St. James United Methodist Church, officiated by Pastors Lester Kennedy and Ralph Grow. Burial will follow in Union Presbyterian Church Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Jeremiah Davidson, Daniel Whitmire, Eddy Pitsenbarger, William Posey, Nick Collins and Doug Harlow. Honorary pallbearers will be coworkers from Dominion Energy.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sunday at Bear Funeral Home.

Memorials may be directed to St. James United Methodist Church, PO Box 43, Churchville, VA 24421.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at bearfuneralhome.com.