Rejoice in the Journey to Heaven for Mr. James Lamar Ragsdale, 79 of Rainbow City, Alabama, who gained his heavenly wings Wednesday, January 8, 2020. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 13, 2020 at Collier-Butler Chapel. The family will receive friends from 9 am until 11 am. Rev. Rodney Prickett and Rev. Roy Cordle will officiate. Burial will be at Rainbow Memorial Gardens.
Mr. James Ragsdale was a member of Riddles Bend Baptist Church. James was a 1959 graduate of Gaston High School where he was a member of the 1958 football team, the first team fielded by the school since 1932. James retired from Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company with over 35 years service. He was a Veteran of the United States Army in Korea.
As a young child James learned the art of gardening and woodworking from his father and grandfather; these became some of his great passions in life. He loved shaping the lives of young boys through coaching youth baseball. He was a fan of Bluegrass music and playing the guitar, banjo, harmonica, and mandolin.
James was preceded in death by his wife Sandra Sue Ragsdale, parents Robert F and Esther S Ragsdale; grandson Ethan Cade Harcrow; brothers Gerald, Kenneth and Wayne Ragsdale.
He is survived by his loving children, daughter Tammy Ragsdale Stephens (Gary), son James Barry Ragsdale, grandson Dakota Grayson Harcrow; sisters Loretta Ragsdale, Alona Gobble (Bob) and Anne Lipscomb (Charles), brothers Noel, Tommy and Larry Ragsdale (Jennifer).
Pallbearers will be Wayne Gobble, Chad Lipscomb, Chris Ragsdale, Wally Ragsdale, Kenneth Payne, and Rodney Peterson.
Special thanks to the staff of Amedisys Home Health and Hospice. We would like to express an extra thank you to our friend and Caregiver Bill Phipps. In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. michaeljfox.org
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.collier-butler.com for the RAGSDALE family.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18