Charles Emerson Ragland

NEWBERRY — Charles Emerson Ragland, age 92, recently of Hopkins, died January 23, 2010, in the Brian Center St. Andrews in Columbia. Mr. Ragland, son of the late Rev. Samuel Emerson and Lillian Harlow Ragland, was a native of Bowling Green, KY. He graduated from Western Kentucky State Teachers College in 1937 and from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1942.
 
He served as a Signal Corps officer in North Africa and Sicily during World War II and at other postings in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Jamaica before returning to civilian life.
 
While on leave visiting relatives in Newberry in 1944, Charles met his future wife, Jane Harriet Summer, daughter of John H. and Mamie Swittenberg Summer. They were married a few months later. He was employed by radio station WKDK, the S.C. and U.S. Forestry Commissions, Carolina Electronics, Remington Rand Univac, and the Shakespeare plant of Anthony Enterprises and Glassmaster prior to retirement.
 
He was a member of Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Newberry, where he sang in the choir.
 
Mr. Ragland is survived by children Charles Jr. of Selinsgrove, PA, John Harrison and Mary Helen Ragland of Piedmont, Kathryn R. and J. Allen Gilbert of Hopkins, Christopher and Julie Ragland of Fountain Inn, grandchildren, Will Ragland, Rebecca Ragland, Marianne Gilbert Nicolau, David Gilbert, Harrison Gilbert, Benjamin Ragland, Susannah Ragland, and Christian Ragland; and one great-grandson, Parker L. Nicolau. A brother, William C. Ragland of Pittsboro, NC, and a sister, Lillian R. Caudill, of Louisville, KY, also survive. Charles’ wife, Jane, passed away in 2008.
 
Funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer by the Rev. Caldwell Day.
 
Interment will be in Rosemont Cemetery.
 
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Whitaker Funeral Home.
 
The family suggests memorials be made to the Worship and Music Committee, Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 1515 Boundary St., Newberry, SC 29108 or to the Newberry Regional Library, 1300 Friend St., Newberry, SC 29108.
 
Messages to the family may be sent via email to notes@whitakerfuneralhome.com.
 
Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry, is assisting the family.