March 13, 1934 - September 13, 2025
Mr. Ralph J. Muse, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 91 on Saturday, September 13, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Ralph was proud to be one of the original 19 employees of World Carpets, where he dedicated many years of hard work and innovation. His love for machinery and mechanics began early; by the age of 13, he was already rebuilding automobiles. Throughout his life, Ralph thrived on the challenges of turning ideas into reality, often designing and building specialized machinery from specifications provided by local carpet industries.
In his younger years, Ralph was an avid deer and elk hunter, taking many memorable trips out West. His deep love of nature continued throughout his life, and he delighted in sharing trail camera pictures of wildlife captured in Ellijay. Among his favorite pastimes were feeding and watching birds, simple joys that brought him peace and happiness.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew Lee and Lizzie Stephens Muse, and his siblings Mary Jewell Richmond, Johnny Mark Muse, and Doris Muse Jackson.
He is survived by his best friend and beloved wife of 72 years, Annie (Ann) Richmond Muse; daughters and sons-in-law Carol (Mick) McClure of Laramie, WY; Connie Sosebee of Dalton, GA; Kathy (Tully) Bates of Rocky Face, GA; and Angela (Brian) Watts of Sugar Valley, GA. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Nathan (Jessica) Bates of Tunnel Hill, GA; Matthew Watts of Sugar Valley, GA; Emily (Will) Kimsey of Winder, GA; and Joseph (Ashley) Sosebee of Dalton, GA; as well as his precious great-grandchildren Addie and Annie Bates, and Madison and Sophia Kimsey along with numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025, at 1:00 P.M. at Ponders Calhoun Chapel with Sandy B. Long, Rita Jones and Mike Beason officiating. Ralph will be laid to rest at Sugar Valley Baptist Church Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Nathan Bates, Matthew Watts, Joseph Sosebee, David Richmond, Brian Richmond and Wendell Gordy.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, September 19, 2025, from 11:00 A.M. until the service hour.
Ralph’s life was one of love, devotion, and hard work. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Arrangements by Ponders Calhoun Chapel 675 Jolley Rd, Calhoun, GA 30701
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