Michael Ragin Jr.

COLUMBIA -- Michael Lee Ragin Jr., Vice President of Marketing for The Ragin Group, Inc. and President of Compensation Planners Group, Inc., died Thursday, March 11, 2004, in Denver, Colo. Michael was twenty-six years old and a native of Columbia, S.C.

The cause for Michael's death was complications from a head injury incurred during an automobile accident. Visitation with the family will take place at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, on Monday, March 15, 2004, at 7 p.m. The funeral will be Tuesday, March 16, 2004, at 1 p.m. at Shandon Baptist Church on Forest Drive. Following the service, his family will return his ashes to nature at his two favorite Low Country fishing spots and on Mt. Crested Butte in Colorado.

Michael was a gifted glassblower, whose work has been showcased around the country and won Best-in-Show awards, among others, in Colorado. Skyy Vodka also contracted Michael for a special campaign. He also established a program for children in Crested Butte to learn an appreciation of glassblowing as an art form. Michael embodied a rare combination of artistic genius and business savvy, with entrepreneurial skills that made the family-owned business one of the most successful in the state.

Michael was an avid sportsman, who frequently enjoyed such activities as hunting, fishing, snowboarding, and lacrosse. He also loved cooking, making gourmet cuisine which combined his love for gaming and his innovative culinary skills. His passion for nature and life and his fiercely competitive yet compassionate spirit helped him to lead his team to win numerous championships in high school lacrosse, for which he achieved selection to the All New England Private School All Star team and garnered him a number of College Scholarships.

Michael was born in Columbia on March 12, 1977. He was the second child of Mike Ragin and Kay Kirby. He had an older sister, Robin, and a younger sister, Kathryn. He was a devoted brother, who took pride in all of his sisters' accomplishments. Michael attended Heathwood Hall Episcopal School and Hyde School in Bath, Maine. He earned a higher education at Greensboro College, the College of Charleston, and later at the University of Colorado. He studied the arts and psychology, concentrating on developing a career in architecture. His love for his family and his visionary ideas for the family business led him to lend his talents to the business his father began, The Ragin Group, Inc., working in insurance and estate planning.

Michael had a son, Emmanuel Blair Ragin, who was born on May 11, 2001. Michael believed "Manni" was his purpose and passion in life, and he spent his time instilling his interests and his Christian values in his young son. Michael considered his experiences with his son and his relationship with Christ to be the joy of his life. He sought the truth at all costs, and his friends considered him a "good Samaritan," as he was a constant source of humor, love, and respect. He was reliable and willing to go to great lengths for his family and friends. His generosity, kindness, and concern for others were appreciated as a blessing from God.

Michael's final gift to the world was the gift of life. As an organ donor, he was able to help many people, and by his actions his charity and courage of conviction take on new meaning.

Michael is survived by his son, Emmanuel Blair Ragin; his girlfriend, Blair Ragland; his parents, Kay Kirby Fryman and Michael Lee Ragin Sr.; his step-parents, Gene Fryman and Vicki Ragin; his sisters, Robin Kirby Ragin Hays and Mary Kathryn Ragin; his step-sisters, Jennifer Loring Gray, Haley Victoria Gray, Michelle Fryman, Valerie Fryman, and Olivia Fryman; his brothers-in-law, David Hays and Conor Dungan; and his nephews, William Hays, Julian Hays, and Walker Dungan. Truly his faith, family and friends were his priorities in life, and he more than achieved success in exemplifying the dignity of the human spirit.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Shandon Baptist Church, Hyde School in Bath, Maine or Donor Alliance, 3773 Cherry Creek Drive North, Suite 601, Denver, Colorado 80209.