Ralph E. Bales, age 75, of Ten Mile, passed away at his home July 2, 2021 surrounded by his family. He was a lifelong resident of Ten Mile. He was a school bus driver for Meigs County Schools for 33 years. Ralph loved to fish and work on cars. He also loved to trade on vehicles. Ralph was a member of Nebo House of Prayer of Jesus Christ.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Dex & Viola Bales; and brother: Roger Bales.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years: Lucille Bales; daughter: Tammy Bales of Ten Mile; son: Mitch Bales, Jr., (Charlotte) of Ten Mile; grandchildren: Bella, Skye, Abby Bales of Ten Mile; brothers and sisters: Billy Bales (Faye) of Ten Mile, Brenda Howell (Jake) of Ten Mile, Clifford Bales (Barbara) of Ten Mile, Debbie Beason (Jim) of Paint Rock, Sue Jones (Herb) of Lenoir City, Peggy Allen (Mike) of Paint Rock, and Roy Bales (Sandra) of Paint Rock; sister-in-law: Patsy Padgett (J.T.) of Ball Ground, Georgia; and many extended family members and friends.

The family will receive friends from 3 until 5 p.m. eastern, Monday, July 5, 2021, at Fraker Funeral Home in Kingston with funeral service following. Interment will follow the service at Bales Family Cemetery in Ten Mile. Fraker Funeral Home of Kingston is in charge of arrangements.