Ralph Meers

Ralph Martin Meers, 85, of Dallas Georgia passed away on October 2nd, 2025. Ralph was born in Draketown, GA November 28, 1939. Ralph lived a remarkable life devoted to family, faith and the fight for fairness and dignity for all people.

From humble beginnings, Ralph grew into one of Georgia's most respected labor leaders. For 53 years, he served as President of his local union, where he was a tireless advocate for working families. In 1973 he created and established a health and welfare fund, later incorporating a supplemental pension and 401k plan so that families could retire with security. Throughout his career as President of his local, Ralph had received multiple recognitions for his work. In 1985 he was honored as Labor leader of the year. He was recognized by Governors for his works and was awarded an honorary degree from Emory University's Goizueta Business school. His life's work is preserved by Georgia State University in their archives. Ralph always fought for the underdog, the little guy as it were, campaigning for the vulnerable and did his best to make the world a fairer place.

Faith was central to Ralph's life. Ralph would always say when asked about his path " I did it because it was the right thing to do". That guiding principal shaped everything he pursued. He was described as selfless, loyal, inspirational and beloved.

Beyond his public legacy, Ralph was most proud of role as a husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was married to the love of his life, Sarah Frances Akins Meers for 53 years who passed away in 2011. His 3 daughters were his pride and joy. Ralph loved the outdoors, finding joy gardening and watching the wildlife around his farm. Those who knew him also knew how much he loved his toys. Excavators, tractors, 4 wheelers. If he wasn't playing on them, he was working on them. When his crops came in he would share the harvest with friends and family. Ralph was particularly fond of his muscadine vines and blueberry bushes. The Paulding County agricultural dept was so impressed by the different varieties they would ask for clippings.

For most of his life Ralph was a member of the Masonic lodge where he was recently celebrated as one of the Lodge's longest serving members. Ralph was also a Shriner of which he was proud. Throughout his life, Ralph was a steadfast member of the Democratic party having met several Presidents and Governors across his years as a labor official garnering their appreciation for what he was doing and had accomplished for the working man.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Forrest Turk and Myrtle Beatrice Meers; His beloved wife Sarah Frances Meers; His sister Shirley Ann Meers and Brother Bobby Meers as well as a granddaughter, Samantha Regla Smith.

Ralph is survived by his Daughters, Patricia Turner and husband Richard, Debra Bailey, and Teresa Hill and husband Louis. . Ralph also had numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren as well as nieces and nephews and surviving sisters.

Ralph's purpose in life was clear. To make the world a better place. To honor his memory, the family asks that you do the same- call someone you haven't spoken to in a while, renew a fight for something you believe in, or just reach out to someone you know is hurting. That was the way Ralph lived his life and this is how we can preserve and remember his legacy.

A memorial service will be planned and shared so that those who knew and loved Ralph can come together and celebrate his life.

You may share your thoughts and condolences at www.samclarkfuneralhome.com.

Clark Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the services for Mr. Ralph Martin Meers.