Thomas Ragland

Thomas E. Ragland CHESAPEAKE - Thomas E. Butch Ragland, 64, passed away Friday, June 4, 2010, in his residence surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was born Jan. 13, 1946 in Paris, Texas, the son of the late Charles Allen and Ruby West Ragland. He was an active member of the DAV and the Purple Heart Association. Thomas enjoyed his model railroading and family genealogy. He served three tours of duty in Vietnam as a U.S. Army Ranger and was wounded two times in combat. He is survived by his wife of 15 years, Holly; his daughter, Trina Nichols of Wilmington, N.C.; his son, Thomas E. Gillikin and his fiancée, Rita Oliver of Virginia Beach; his two sisters, Ruby Alline Gillikin and husband Ronney, and Peggy Cahoon and husband Joe, both of Chesapeake; and his brother, John Ragland and wife Melba of Chireno, Texas. Thomas is also survived by his two grandsons, Anthony and Adam Nichols; one great-grandson, Spencer Nichols; a host of nieces and nephews. The burial with full military honors will be conducted in Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, 5310 Milners Road, Suffolk at a later date. The viewing will begin with the family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, June 7, in the Great Bridge Chapel of Oman Funeral Home & Crematory, 653 Cedar Road, Chesapeake, VA 23320. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Gail and Thomas Dagnall, Gloria and Ronald Sorey, and to Tammy and Erin of Personal Touch Hospice. Memorial donations may be made to your local chapter of the DAV or to the Sidney Oman Cancer Treatment Center c/o Chesapeake Regional Medical Center, 635 N. Battlefield Blvd., Chesapeake, VA 23320. Friends are also invited to send condolences and sign the online guestbook at www.omanfh. com.