Royce Byron Ragland

1958 - 2008

A memorial service celebrating the life of Royce Byron Ragland will be held on Sunday, September 21, 2008, at South Roanoke United Methodist Church. Friends are invited to attend the church's 10:30 a.m. worship service, "3 Simple Rules for Living" and the memorial service at 11:45 a.m. with the Reverend William Davidson, Pastor. Byron Ragland was born on September 12, 1958, in Roanoke, Va., to William (Buddy) and Mary Rose Blackburn Ragland. He was a lifetime member of South Roanoke United Methodist Church where he served as Sunday School Secretary and Treasurer, an aftercare volunteer, and as a member of the Praise and Worship music team. He worked at Hollins College, Wachovia and at the Roanoke Rescue Mission. Byron was a very talented artist and musician. Byron won medals at the Galax Music Festival. He played bass and other numerous instruments with many musical groups including the Caravan, Good Time Sounds and the Timepiece. Byron always enjoyed his fishing trips and holiday visits to North Carolina. He completed life's cycle in North Carolina in the dedicated loving care of Joyce Cooke, of Cary, N.C., and her children, James, Kathy and Tommy and their spouses. He is also survived by his aunt, Juanita Hemming and husband, Brian, of Chapel Hill, N.C.; the Blackburns from Colfax, N.C.; and many cousins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his infant sister, Faith; and uncles, Roger and Russell Blackburn. Memorial donations can be made to the music program at South Roanoke United Methodist Church or to the Rescue Mission. Lemonade and music on the church lawn will follow the memorial service.