I hereby authorize flags be flown at half-staff all day on Thursday, July 10, 2025, on the grounds of the Alabama State Capitol Complex in Montgomery, and in Gadsden and throughout Etowah and DeKalb counties to honor the life and service of former State Representative Ralph Burke, who passed away at the age of 65 on July 3, 2025.

A native of Rainsville, Ralph Ables Burke was a beloved public servant, educator and man of faith. He was also a proud alumnus of Jacksonville State University. At just 23 years old, Ralph became the youngest member ever elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 1983, representing DeKalb County. Ralph served until 1998, including a second-term appointment to the House Ways and Means Committee. After his legislative career, Ralph led Jax State’s Gadsden Center from 1998 to 2016 and later served as the Director of Corporate, Foundation, and Community Relations until his retirement in 2018. Even in retirement, Ralph remained active, working in the Office of the President to advance community relations in Etowah County. Ralph was a dedicated leader, serving on the Executive Board of Leadership Etowah and chairing the Etowah County Mega Sports Complex Authority. He was a longtime board member of the Alabama Music Hall of Fame and a founding member of Etowah C.A.R.E.S., advocating for community revitalization. In 2020, he began a successful second career in real estate. Ralph pastored Union Hill Baptist Church in the 1980s and later founded the Southern gospel group, Inheritance, which toured nationally. He and his wife Joy were active members of Meadowbrook Church in Gadsden, where he sang in the choir. Ralph was a loving husband, friend to all, a mentor to many and a true servant leader.

The flags on the grounds of the State Capitol Complex in Montgomery, and in Gadsden and throughout Etowah and DeKalb counties may be flown at half-staff sunrise through sundown, Thursday, July 10, 2025, the day of Representative Ralph Burke’s interment.