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William Ragatz Obituary
RAGATZ, 58
William L. Ragatz, Inc. Automotive Sales
WINTER HAVEN - William "Bill" Ragatz, 58, went to be with the Lord on December 3, 2010 in Winter Haven.
He was born in Ft. Lauderdale, FL on February 20, 1952 and moved to Winter Haven in 1965. He was a graduate of Winter Haven High School and went on to receive his Bachelor's Degree in Automotive Marketing and Management from Northwood Institute in Midland, Michigan. He was the General Manager of Lee Ragatz Volkswagen of Sebring and Winter Haven, before becoming the owner of William L. Ragatz, Inc. Automotive Sales. He was a member of Hope Presbyterian Church in Winter Haven. Bill was a loving and devoted son, husband, father, papa and friend. He was admired and loved by everyone that knew him.
He is survived by his loving family wife Denise Ragatz and their children, Candice Ragatz, Christine (I.B.) Stacy and Billy Ragatz; his parents, Cora and Lee Ragatz; and his grandchildren, Kylee and Courtney Merrill and Gavin Shytle. Loving cousins, Philip Aguilar, Jeff Aguilar, Joanne Acardi, and Doris Acardi.
A Memorial Service will be held 3:00pm, Friday, December 10, 2010 at Hope Presbyterian Church, 2110 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven, FL. In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations in his name to Susan G. Komen, Humane Society of Polk County, and Hope Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund.
Condolences may be sent at
www.oakridgefuneralcare.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Ragatz
John Coley
December 22, 2010
Dear Ragatz Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. It was a shock to hear the news (late) of his passing. My prayers are with you all.
John Pritchard
December 22, 2010
Bill,
In 1981 I worked for you and Bill at the Winter Have lot.
I cleaned the shop and detailed cars.
My best friend was Frank Kauble a mechanic.
You and Bill were the people who turned my life arround.
I would not know where to start in telling you how much Bill
and you ment to me.
I was the little guy that learned from the big guys.
What a loss !!
John L. Pritchard
Mexico Beach Fl.
Susan Hansell
December 14, 2010
I am so deeply saddened to hear of Bill's passing. I would certainly have attended the service, but was out of the country. Please know that you are all in my prayers.
Susan Hansell
Bret Steadman
December 14, 2010
With our deepest sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family - Williams & Stazzone Insurance Agency
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Ben & Mini Smith
December 12, 2010
Dear Ragatz Family,
My wife and I were sad to hear of you're loss. I had the pleasure to work for Bill for years. He's the kind of man you wanted to do your best for because you respected him. He was a fair, hard working and with out a doubt loved his family very much.
Our deepest sympathies to the family and all who will miss him.
December 11, 2010
To the Ragatz family...I knew Bill through the Manheim Tampa Auction, where I work. He was always so pleasant. I enjoyed his keen sense of humor. He was a true gentleman. He will be missed. May your wonderful memories comfort you in the days ahead. Beverly Morrow
December 11, 2010
Denise, Candice, Kylee, Courtney and family,
In the past when we visited our granddaughters,Kylee and Courtney, Denise and Bill welcomed us and were truly friendly. We could tell that you were a close family. We are so sorry for you loss and we know he will be missed by so many people in your community. God Bless and take care.
Bill & Joan Merrill, Tacoma, WA
Jim Kincaid
December 10, 2010
Bill will be dearly missed by many. He was always quick with a smile and a truly genuine individual.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
December 10, 2010
To Billy and family
We were deeply sad to hear of your loss. Our thoughts & prayers are with you all. He will always be with you in your hearts. God bless and take care.
Miriam Linder and Robin Weeks
December 10, 2010
DENISE AND FAMILY,
WE ARE SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT BILLY. WE WILL KEEP YOU ALL IN OUR PRAYERS. MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU DURING THIS TIME. OUR HEARTS GO OUT TO YOU ALL.
LOVE,
KATHY AND BOBBY WEED
Rudy & Danielle Dunlap
December 9, 2010
Dear Mrs. Ragatz, Candice, Christine, Billy, and Family,
We're so sorry to hear about Mr. Ragatz. In his memory, please allow me to share a happy memory: most of my interactions with Mr. Ragatz were through car pool, which was not a terribly exciting activity...except when the car is Porsche. I'll never forget the time Mr. Ragatz drove me, Candice, and Christine to St. Paul's in a 911. I thought that was just about the coolest thing, especially when he revved the engine at stop lights. If I recall correctly Candice didn't care for the engine revving and chided Mr. Ragatz for it--too funny.
Our thoughts are with you all,
Patti
December 9, 2010
May you and your family find peace, strength, and hope in the Lord Jesus Christ at this time. I was so sorry to hear about Bill. He and I were good friends in high school and I was looking forward to seeing him at the class reunion, but he wasn't there. I remember that smile on his face and his happy spirit. I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
December 9, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Betty Lamb
December 9, 2010
May you find strength and peace in the memories of your loved one and in the support of those who care about you. Bill was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed. Elaine(Adesa Tampa)
December 9, 2010
I cannot begin to tell you how badly I feel for the entire Ragatz family. Billy was a fantastic individual to know, and to work for. God be with you for Billy is certainly with God
Cassie Watson
December 9, 2010
To the Ragatz family,
Bill was such a wonderful man. I always enjoyed conversations with him about his family and how much he loved everyone. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
Michael May
December 9, 2010
To the Ragatz family,
You all have been a major part of my life, and I have many fond memories of Bill. I am very sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sylvia
December 9, 2010
To the Ragatz family,
My condolences goes out to your family. He was a very nice person and he will be missed. I enjoyed talking to him when I saw him. I know the grandkids will miss him a whole lot since he enjoyed them so much. I will keep you in my prayers. . .
Dan and Antimina Arnold
December 9, 2010
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Johnny Johnson- Tropic Pools
December 9, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Bill will be missed by many. Our condolences.
December 8, 2010
Dear Ragatz family,
We are so sorry for your loss. I have known your wonderful family for as long as I can remember and know he will be greatly missed! I can see so much of Gavin in him, especially in the picture posted. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Megan Stacy
December 8, 2010
Dear Ragatz family,
We are so sorry for your loss. I have known your wonderful family for as long as I can remember and know he will be greatly missed! I can see so much of Gavin in him, especially in the picture posted. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Karel Cain
December 8, 2010
Dear Denise & Family--
In the midst of the sadness and grief that you are feeling....please know that your family has made an imprint on my life and I am sure, so many others. My memory of Bill is that of a strong, devoted husband and father and the unity of his family reflects that in every way. I admire the strength and love for family that you all display. Bill is a symbol of that love and he will forever be with you. Please remember that you are surrounded by friends that will be here for you. God Bless You
Kelly (I.B.'s sister) Kevitt
December 8, 2010
Bill Ragatz was such a wonderful man...he will be missed dearly. He meant a lot to myself and my family the short time we knew him. He liked to "talk shop" with Jeremy-cars, cooking, life. He was generous with his praise and hugs. May God bless him and those he left behind.
Craig, Lisa, Lauren, Layla and Charli Merrill
December 8, 2010
What moves through us is a silence, a quiet sadness, a longing for one more day, one more word, one more touch. We may not understand why you left this earth so soon or why you left before we were ready to say good-bye, but little by little, we begin to remember not just that you died, but that you lived! Your life gave us memories too beautiful to forget!!!
George White
December 8, 2010
Billy was truly a class act,as I came up in the business I always admired his savvy and great character.He will be missed on the auction circuit.
Charles Bradley
December 8, 2010
Dear Denise and Family:
As you, I will always remember Bill as a man who had strong family values and loved being husband, father, grandfather as well as a friend to those who had the privilege. In the years that I knew Bill that was very obvious. My deepest sympathies during this difficult time.
Robert Abraham
December 8, 2010
To the Ragatz family,
I ve known Billy for 30 years. I looked forward every week to see him at one of the auctions we attended. In all the years in the car business I never heard a bad or negative comment on Billy. I will forever have a fond memory of him in my heart.Billy loved and always spoke about his family. Billy was one of a kind!!! I will forever miss Billy.
Tim Anderson
December 8, 2010
Billy was like a Big Brother to me in business and life. I could call him about anything. I always admired the Love he shared with his Wife, his Children, Grandchildren, his Parents and his friends. I will miss seeing him and will never forget our talks. We are so Sorry and our Thoughts and Prayers are with you All.
David Anderson
December 8, 2010
Bill was my high school classmate, my friend, my boss. I worked for Lee and Billy at both the Winter Haven and Sebring stores. Thirteen years working with and for the Ragatz Family. Bill, you will be missed.
The memories of my friend,my boss, and my co-worker will always be held dear to me. May God give the rest of the "Ragatz Family" peace in their time of sorrow.
Ida Cale
December 8, 2010
To the Ragatz Family,
We are sorry to hear of your loss. We know Bill will be missed. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
The Cale Family-Tom,Ida,Allison,and C.J.
Herb & Angie Harris
December 8, 2010
We Love Bill & His Beautiful Family....& are sending Our Deepest Sympathy & Love...This is Beyond Sad...We Know That Bill is Now In Heaven...watching Over All of Us....Bill... You are one of The Greatest Friend's We Have Known...You Will Be Missed....xoxo The Herbster & Angie....
Jill Selby
December 8, 2010
To the entire Ragatz Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thougts and prayers are with you. God Bless.
Walter Leipuner
December 8, 2010
To the Ragatz family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I have known Bill for almost 30 years in the automobile business and have always enjoyed the many conversations that we have had. He was always a gentleman and I learned from him all the time.
Jennifer Brain
December 8, 2010
Aunt Denise an Family. I am so sorry. Your family is very special to me. My prayers are with each an everyone of yall. Uncle Bill would want all of us to be strong. He will never be forgotten. Their is a special part of him in each an everyone of yall. He will forever be missed but never forgotten. I love you all so much. Remember you all will be in my thoughts an prayers today an always. I love you so much Aunt Denise
Paula Carter
December 8, 2010
To the Ragatz family,
I am truely sorry for your loss. Bill was such a nice person. A class act. I have known him for about 20 years from the auction in Tampa. I will keep your family in my prayers.
George and Tina Trakas
December 8, 2010
Denise, our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family during this time. Bill was always a pleasure to be around and we miss seeing you together at the Sundown.
December 8, 2010
Thinking of and praying for all of you! Love,
The Marrall & Gatlin Family
Rose Collins
December 8, 2010
Candace & family, I was so sorry to here the news about your dad, he will truly be missed by everyone who knew him, please take care.
Ron Sullivan
December 8, 2010
To the whole Ragatz family I am truly sorry for your loss and will keep all of you in our prayers.I've Known Bill ever since High School and always enjoyed seeing and talking to him he will be missed
Beverly Woolery
December 8, 2010
Ragatz Family,
I know that Bill was a loving husband, father, and son. I remember a time many years ago at Christmas when Candice asked if our family needed anything. She said her dad liked to help families out during the holidays. I didn't accept the offer, but appreciated the act of kindness. I believe that was the kind of man that he was.
I will keep your family in my prayers.
God Bless.
December 8, 2010
Bill will surely be missed-a good friend at the auction-always had time to talk, enjoyed his company and knowledge. Sorry for your loss-he was a great guy!
David and Linda Divine
Winnie
December 8, 2010
It was always a pleasure seeing Bill's smiling face at our auction. He brightened our day. We will surely miss him.
GLORIA CASSANO
December 8, 2010
BILL WILL TRULY BE MISSED.
CONDOLENCES TO ALL OF THE FAMILY
GLORIA CASSANO
December 8, 2010
TO THE ENTIRE FAMILY OF BILL, I DID NOT KNOW HIM REAL WELL BUT THE LITTLE BIT I HAD DELT WITH HIM HE WAS A WONDERFUL LIKEABLE PERSON. AGAIN I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. MAY GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU. BOB PETTY (RIDGE QUALITY MOTORS).
Dave Hill
December 8, 2010
Billy, I am sorry to hear you have left us and I will pray for you and your family. I will remember seeing you and Phillip with your clipboard at the auction buying cars. It won't be the same. God Bless.
Janet Davis
December 8, 2010
Christine and Candace and Family,
I'm so sorry for the loss of your dad and loved one. Hold the good memories of him close in your heart and mind and he will always be with you.
December 8, 2010
Sorry to here Billy your family is in are prayers let me know if I can do anything.The Forgue family
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