Ralph I Barton

Ralph Ivey Barton, age 87, of Lexington, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 6, 2018, at Lexington Extended Care.

A native of Augusta, Georgia, he was the son of the late Raleigh Edward Barton Sr. and Cora Ivey Barton. He was a graduate of the Academy of Richmond County and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia in 1952. He earned his law degree in 1954 from the University of Georgia Law School, before serving as a Lieutenant in the United States Army for two years. He enjoyed a long, successful career with State Farm Mutual Insurance, retiring in 1994 as Regional Claims Superintendent after 34 years with the company.

Ralph was an active member of Providence Presbyterian Church in West Columbia, where he served as Treasurer and as an Elder for many years.  He loved adventure and outdoor activities and spent his retirement years flying single engine prop airplanes and gliders, playing golf at the Country Club of Lexington and hunting as a lifetime member of the Good Cheer Hunting Club. He was a huge Georgia Bulldogs fan and enjoyed watching college football. Ralph also cherished time with his grandchildren, especially during their annual visits to Edisto Beach and at Christmas, his favorite holiday.

He is survived by his two sons, Ralph Edward Barton (Terri) and Frank Anthony Barton (Kathryn); and a daughter, Nancy Barton Atkinson (David). He was predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Frankie W. Barton and his youngest son, Lee Walton Barton (Beth). He is survived by seven grandchildren: Dylan Barton, Hannah Barton, Ivey Barton, Davey Atkinson, Katie Atkinson, Jamie Barton and Kara Barton, one great-grandchild Kaylee Johns, nephew Bill Barton and niece Barbara Barton Noland.  He was predeceased by two brothers, Raleigh Edward Barton Jr. and Bill Barton and a sister Evelyn Barton.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Friday, August 10 at 11 a.m. at Providence Presbyterian Church. Visitation will follow in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Providence Presbyterian Church, 1112 Hummingbird Lane, West Columbia. The family would like to give special thanks to Lexington Extended Care and MSA Hospice, who loved and cared for “Mr. Ralph” in his final days.

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