Ralph Lilbern Latta

Augusta, GA – Ralph Lilbern Latta (a.k.a. Uncle), beloved husband to Ruth Pilgrim Latta and loving, son, brother, and cousin, entered into rest on Monday, August 19, 2024 at the age of 92.

 Ralph was born in Henderson, Kentucky, to the late Jones and Margaret Latta. He was the son of a sharecropper who knew the values of hard work, resilience, and family from an early age.

Ralph proudly served his country in the U.S. Army for 22 years, retiring at the rank of Sergeant First Class. He served two combat tours in Vietnam and one in Korea, as well as a tour in Germany. His awards include Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal with One Oak Leaf Cluster, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, and the Vietnam Civic Actions Medal.

After his military service, Ralph transitioned to civilian life, where his work ethic and determination led him to owning his own service station: Latta Service Station at 13th and Broad Street in Augusta. He ran the service station for a number of years, earning the respect and loyalty of his customers and community through his hard work and welcoming spirit. Ralph was also a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Augusta, where he found comfort and strength in his faith.

Ralph or “Uncle” was known for his vibrant, fun, and sometimes mischievous stories. He often entertained friends and family members by recounting adventures from his youth or in the Army—sharing pranks he and his buddies would play on their superiors, peers, and friends. He was also known to cook a good steak and enjoy a nice martini. Ralph’s life was rich with love and laughter shared among family and friends. He and his loving wife, Ruth, created a warm and welcoming home where they raised two young men, Frankie and Roger, whom they supported and guided into adulthood, becoming a doting “Uncle” or grandpa to their children.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Jones and Margaret Latta, and his sister, Virginia Catherine Latta Martin, as well as his nephews, Frankie Martin (Mary) and Samuel Ray Pilgrim (Victoria). In addition to his beloved wife, Ruth, Ralph is survived by his sister-in-law, Elizabeth Johnson; nephew, Roger Pilgrim (Brigitte); great-niece and nephew, Tabatha Thompson (Charles and Charlie) and Dante Pilgrim (Trista and Jack); great-niece and nephews, Mary Elizabeth Martin, Joseph (Joey) Martin, Frankie (Two) Martin, and Ralph Lee Martin; great-nephew, Ethan Pilgrim; and a number of other loving nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. 

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 2:00 P.M. in the chapel of Thomas Poteet & Son with Dr. Ryan Heritage. Interment will follow in Bellevue Memorial Gardens. The service may be seen via livestream at https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTcyNDI5MzEyMzE0MjI3NDQmb25lcm9vbS1lbWFpbCZpbnZpdGF0aW9uX2NvcHlfbGluaw== 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306, or via t2t.org/donate.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, one hour prior to the service at  Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484.