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James RAGSDALE Obituary
He retired from Newport News Shipbuilding in 1985 as a welder and instructor after 35 years of service. He was a WWII Navy veteran, and was a member of Abundant Life Tabernacle and the Senior Bible Class.
Charlie was preceded in death by his first wife of 49 years, Betty C. Ragsdale; grandson, James W. "Jimmy" Ragsdale Jr.; sisters, Mary Curtis and Jewell Shane; and parents, Blanche and Harris Ragsdale.
He is survived by his wife of 12 years, Mary Kelly Ragsdale; his son, James W. "Bill" Ragsdale and wife, Gloria; granddaughter, Beth Ann Ragsdale Gorrell and husband, Tim; great-grandson, Timmy Gorrell; sisters, Edith Kinney, Irene Murray, and Viola Bean and husband, Wallace; stepdaughters, Faye Wimmer and husband, Kyle, and MaryAnn Murphy and husband, Andrew; stepsons, Colin Ray Kelly and wife, Alice, David Kelly and wife, Meg, and Weldon Kelly and wife, Marie; several stepgrandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and Haley Brooke Forrest.
Visitation will also be held today from 1 to 2 p.m. at Abundant Life Tabernacle, Hampton, immediately followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m. in the church by the Rev. Glen Jones. A committal service will follow at Parklawn Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel, Hampton, with Navy Honors. At other times, the family will be at 103 Church St., Poquoson.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Poquoson Rescue Squad, 830 Poquoson Ave., Poquoson, VA 23662, or to Abundant Life Tabernacle, 101 Blackburn Lane, Hampton, VA 23666. Online condolences to www.claytorrollins.com.
"The family expresses special thanks to the staff of York Convalescent Center for their care and support, and also to the VA and Office of Care Coordination". View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James RAGSDALE
July 26, 2010
So sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad, our prayers are with your family.
Roger and Mary Virginia West
July 23, 2010
William, Gloria and Beth,
So sorry to hear of your loss,
Love and prayers always
Joanne Pauley
July 23, 2010
Billy , Gloria, and family,
Our hearts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Jimmy and Barbara Holloway
Mary Giunti
July 22, 2010
Bill, Gloria & family,
David and I are very sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you all.
Carol Vines Moore
July 22, 2010
I have very fond memories of the Ragsdale family from growing up on Wellington Drive. I remember Betty taking me and Ersel to Buckroe and we layed on the beach all day while she fished. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. God Bless all of you.
David Lawrence
July 22, 2010
When I first came to the shipyard in the '70s', James Ragsdale was one of the instructors on the row I was on. He was an affable and encouraging teacher. He and the other "rocks" of the shipyard are disappearing. God bless the family left behind and great rejoicing as James enters his reward with our heavenly Father.
Grover Lilley, Jr.
July 22, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. I was Mr. Ragsdales supervisor when he worked in the Welding School. Charlie was a good man,a man you could depend on for a job well done. But most important, Charlie knew the Lord Jesus Christ and it showed in his life. We all know where he is today, and we will see him again if we all know the Lord as he did.
henry ayer
July 21, 2010
So sorry for the loss of your loved one.... may God bless and be with you!
July 21, 2010
To the Ragsdale,we are so sorry for the loss of your husband & dad. We knew your dad through Abundant Life Church, we have moved to NC and lost contact with him & Sister Ragsdale.We came to love him very much. We pray God will bless each one during this time.
Grady & Lydia Baldwin, Angier, NC
Anne & Leon Binford
July 21, 2010
Billy and Gloria, We are so sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of sadness.
Anne & Leon Binford
July 21, 2010
Billy and Gloria, We are so sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of sadness.
Barbara Lyman (formerly Forrest)
July 21, 2010
I'm so sorry for your loss. My sincerest sympathies to all the Radsdale family.
July 20, 2010
our deepest sympathy in the passing of mr radsdale, we are from parkview church of god. mahlon and julie waltrip .
Jon Moore
July 20, 2010
Billy,Gloria and family,
I very sorry to learn of your lost.You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ronald Smith
July 20, 2010
To the family of James C. Ragsdale,
By way of introduction, I am the yougest son of J.T. and Lucille Smith. Our family used to live in Hampton and we attended the Greenwood Pentecostal Holiness Church. We moved from Hampton in 1974, so it is a good possibility that you will not remember us. However, I do remember Mr. Ragsdale and I wanted express my sympathy to you at his death. My parents are no longer living. My father died in 1998 and my mother died in 2008. My mother enjoyed the time that she attended the Greenwood church and she had fond memories of all the people that attended the church with her.
Again, I am sorry to hear of Mr. Ragsdale's death and I just want you to know that your family will be in my thoughts during this time of sorrow. Take care.
Charles & Debbie Hughes
July 20, 2010
To the Ragsdale condolences in the loss of your loved one. We got to know Bro. Ragsdle through church. He was always friendly to everyone. May God bless each one of you during this time. Charles & Debbie Hughes
Sally Mason Napier
July 20, 2010
Bill,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of sorrow.
William (Bill Reed) Freeman
July 20, 2010
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
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