Steven Mark Ragland

1963 - 2021

Steven Mark Ragland

Brandon, MS - Steven Mark Ragland was born May 10, 1963, in Jackson to Reverend Calvin E. Ragland, Jr. and Pauline Hart Ragland and went to rest in the arms of his Savior March 16, 2021.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, David and James Ragland.

He is survived by his wife of 9 years, Gina Robertson, son Colby Smith (Kaitlin), step-children Laura Manning (Brian) and Rob Gatlin (Kristen), grandchildren Micah Smith, Coleton and Mason Manning and siblings, Calvin, Jr. (Judy), Jeanette Graves (Bob), Tim, (Gaye), and Debra Ragland, sister-in-law Pam Ragland and his four-legged companion, JoJo.

Early in Steve's career he was a butcher for Jitney Jungle and later for Kroger. He then transitioned to Trustmark National Bank where he began as a teller and was promoted several times before his final promotion to Assistant Vice President, retiring in 2020 after 20 years.

He was loved by everyone he met and especially had a magic touch with animals and children. They were drawn to him. He and family could be feeding ducks, geese, or seagulls but they knew his treats were better than anyone else's and they flocked around his feet. He loved tending and spoiling his chickens. He worked with children at church teaching them to play songs on the kazoo. Kids loved to be around him and hear the funny stories he would tell and captivate them with his ability to make the story so vivid and believable.

He was a member of Richland United Methodist Church where he sang in the choir and played several brass and stringed instruments. Even as the cancer progressed and his voice became frail, he loved singing specials and praising the Lord. He was always willing to serve in any capacity needed.

Steve loved the Lord and never missed an opportunity to share how good God was to him in life and especially during his battle with cancer. He visited churches sharing his story and praising God for his mercy. During hospital stays and doctor appointments, he would share God's love with everyone.

The family would like to thank Dr. Campbell and his staff at M.D. Anderson Hospital, Dr. Patel and staff at Jackson Oncology, the nurses at St. Dominic Hospital who gave Steve the best care during his journey with cancer. Also, the friends and co-workers at Trustmark who worked with Gina and Steve tirelessly to accommodate their work schedule as he made trips to Houston for appointments and his stays in the hospital, the family is forever grateful. There are not enough words to express how grateful we are for Sta-Home Health and Hospice and the compassionate care given to Steve during his final days, from getting the medical equipment needed from DMX Express to Marty's Pharmacy who had medications Steve needed that were not available at any other pharmacy to answering any questions about Steve's condition in the last days of his time with us.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to Wounded Warrior or a charity of your choice.

His celebration of life will be at Ott and Lee Funeral Home Saturday, March 20 with visitation at 1:00pm and the service will begin at 2:00pm. Brother James Twiner will officiate.