Mr. Julius Sykes Ragan Sr.

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Julius Sykes Ragan. He was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to him because he was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around him had whatever they needed. Julius was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what he meant.       He was the son of Howell Wesley and Rebecca Louise Ragan. Julius was raised in Bonifay, Florida. During his childhood he learned to be reliable and respectful. Julius was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. He found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Julius's personality throughout his life.      Though Julius was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with his family, he was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Julius was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Julius worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Julius was raised with five siblings. He had four brothers, Herman, Melvin, John, and Cecil, and one sister, Laura. Julius and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.      As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of his experiences, Julius was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although he had an exacting nature, Julius was always tactful. One thing Julius will certainly be remembered for is that, when he got up in the mornings, he was ready and raring to go. As a young boy, Julius had a number of interests and was an active child. Julius took part in fishing and hunting. In his spare time he liked woodworking Julius' memorable achievements included.      Julius was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call his sentimental and a romantic at heart. His kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around his. Julius cared for what others thought and carried that into his marriage. Compassionate and devoted, Julius worked hard to make his new life partner happy. He married Martha Sue Pippin October 6, 1962 in Dothan, Alabama.      Harmony was important to Julius and he made every effort to maintain it with his family. Julius was blessed with seven children, five daughters, Valerie, Lydia, Tammie, Julie, and Samantha, and two sons, Julius and Wynn. They were also blessed with eight grandchildren and two great-grandsons, Rachel, Robyn, Nichole, Victoria, Dallas, Jackson, Dalton, Randy, Ryker and Aundrea. Julius was always conscious of the feelings others had. He was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Julius was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. His secret of success in this area was simple: Julius would listen before he would act.      Taking his work seriously came naturally to Julius, and he expected the same from those around him. Julius was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. He was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in his good communication skills. Julius was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Julius handled well. He could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” His primary occupation was carpenter. He worked his whole life in woodworking. He brought harmony to his work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for his colleagues.      Blessed with a practical nature, Julius was a person who appreciated the routine of the military. He was a man who took his obligations seriously, working well with the others in his unit. Julius was a veteran of the U. S. Air Force and National Guard. He was stationed in Texas and Massachusetts.      Not only did Julius enjoy traveling, but he also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. He was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. He rarely tired of going back and revisiting his favorite places. Favorite vacations included going to the mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina.      Julius was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. His family was rounded out by his four Schnauzers.      Julius passed away on January 13, 2010 at James A Haley VA Hospital in Tampa, Florida. Diabetes and heart complications. He is survived by his sons, Julius S. Ragan Jr. and Wynn L. Ragan; daughter, Samantha R. Morris; grandchildren, Rachel Corrine Meeks, Robyn Lynn Shrieves, Nicole Lynn Ragan, Victoria Ann Ragan, Dallas Rose Shrieves, Jackson Montgomery Ragan, Dalton Jeffrey Shrieves; great-grandsons, Randy Meeks III and Ryker Scott Meeks Services were held in Sunset Memory Gardens. Julius was laid to rest in Sunset Memory Gardens in Thonotosassa, Florida.      Julius was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever he said something, he meant it. Julius was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. He was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. He was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember him for most is the fact that he was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life he touched will miss Julius Sykes Ragan.