Peggy Ragland Switzer

Peggy Ragland Switzer was called home to be with the Lord on May 7, 2012, following a long struggle with pancreatic and abdominal cancer. She was born in Trion, Georgia, to her late parents, Charles I. and E. Edna Wilder Ragland. She was also predeceased by her sisters, Myra Jean Anderson Ceglarek of St. Clair, MI; Norma Lee Shumate of Chattanooga, TN, and infant brothers, Charles and Billy Ragland. Peggy married her husband, Walter E. Switzer, in Michigan in 1952 while he was serving in the United States Marine Corps.

After accompanying her husband during his military career and establishing 21 homes for their family, Peggy embarked on her own career of 27 years with First Citizens Bank. Peggy held a variety of positions during her time with the bank working in many different areas. Her broad base of knowledge was invaluable during acquisitions, conversions and development of new products. She was the first woman management trainee at First Citizens progressing to the office of Vice-President. She was instrumental in developing a teller/customer service program and manual which soon spread statewide. Peggy was also instrumental in the development of the Bank’s Training Department and served as a Regional Instructor. She subsequently supervised the development of two important cash reserve lending programs and then managed the very successful acquisition of 19 banks to the First Citizens family.

Throughout her career, Peggy was active in the National Association of Bank Women, Inc., promoting educational opportunities, networking and mentoring among the limited number of women in banking at the time. She was awarded NABW’s Regional Scholarship for 1980-1981 in recognition of her professional achievement. She attended UNC’s Mid-Management School of Banking. In addition she formed the Metropolitan Civitans Organization for business women in Wake County. She was a member of Crabtree Baptist Church where she served as Trustee, Sunday School teacher and served on various committees and was a member of the Faith Bible Class.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Walter E. Switzer, daughters Sheryl Wharey and Deirdre Switzer, son-in-law Paul Wharey, granddaughter Laura Wharey and step-grandson Max and wife Mandy Wharey.

The family will receive visitors at Crabtree Valley Baptist Church, 4408 Lead Mine Road, Raleigh, NC, prior to the Celebration of Life to be held on Saturday, June 2, 2012, at 2:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Crabtree Valley Baptist Church, P.O.Box 30954, Raleigh, NC 27622.

Condolences and special memories can be shared with the family at www.MitchellatRMP.com. Mitchell Funeral Home. 919-783-7128.