Charles Lawrence Ragan Jr.

Charles Lawrence Ragan Jr. (Larry) of Raleigh, North Carolina passed away on March 14th, 2025 at the age of 78. He was born on January 30, 1947 in Toledo, Ohio and grew up in Bowling Green, Ohio with his parents, Charles Ragan Sr and Martha (Reis) Ragan, and 4 sisters, Carol, Joy, Rose Marie, and Kathy. He met the love of his life, Susan Miller, at the age of 16. She was always perfect in his eyes and he absolutely adored her. They were married in December, 1968 after which Larry served a tour of duty in Vietnam. Afterwards, Larry and Susan settled in Maryland where they worked and raised 2 wonderful daughters, Jenny and Kristie. Larry was forever and always the most devoted husband and father. Family was always his first priority – he worked hard to provide for and support his family, and always taught his daughters they can accomplish anything.

Larry was graduated from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelors of Science in mathematics and physics and then went on to earn a Masters of Science in Computer Science from Johns Hopkins University. He worked as a computer database manager at Computer Sciences Corporation for the majority of his career. His most proud moments were the ones he spent working on the NASA Hubble Space Telescope Data Capture Facility at Goddard Space Flight Center.

Larry loved spending time with family at home watching movies, on trips, and shopping at local craft fairs. He loved giving and receiving hugs. He enjoyed the long car rides home to Bowling Green to enjoy time with his extended family. He looked forward to time spent with neighborhood friends playing cards, chatting and laughing with his sons-in-law, and spending time with his grandkids – Brooke, Colin, Alexandra, and Sophia – and hearing about their adventures. He was proud of his daughters’ and grandchildren’s accomplishments and always reminded them of that.

Larry had a great smile that radiated the love he felt for his family, especially his wife. His friends and family will always remember the twinkle in his eye when he smiled, for it lit up his face.

Larry is preceded in death by his parents Charles and Martha Ragan, and two sisters, Joy and Kathy. He is survived by his wife Susan Ragan, daughters Kristie McClintock and Jenny Ragan, Paul McClintock, Samuel Girgis, Brooke and Colin McClintock, and Alexandra and Sophia Girgis, and two sisters Carol and Rose Marie.

The family would like to thank the team of medical professionals in the Duke cardiothoracic ICU for the care and compassion they showed Larry and his family in his final days.

Larry will be cremated according to his wishes. A family-only Celebration of Life will be scheduled in the near future.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Larry’s honor to the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina at https://secure.foodbankcenc.org/site/Donation2?df_id=10523&mfc_pref=T&10523.donation=form1&chosen=60&s_src=headerbutton&s_subsrc=website