William A "Bill" Ragland

William "Bill" A Ragland, a loving husband, father and grandfather, died on Oct. 19 in Naperville. He was 77.
Bill's life can best be described as one of loyalty, laughter, and love.
Bill was born in Richmond, Virginia to John Shelton Ragland and Idella Ragland. He inherited his sense of humor and call to service from his father, the Southern 'gift of gab' and love of chocolate from his mother, and an admiration for country music from his older brother, Jack.
Bill's duty to God and his country started at a young age, having earned Eagle Scout as a teenager. Bill went on to serve his country as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War where he was stationed on the USS Henry L. Stimson SSBN-655 submarine.
Before his naval career began, Bill graduated with a bachelor's degree in engineering science at the University of Virginia. Known by many in the family as the 'smartest man in the room,' he was awarded an AEC Fellowship and went on to earn a master's degree in nuclear engineering from The Ohio State University, a doctorate in mechanical engineering from University of Illinois-Chicago, and a master's degree in business from the University of Chicago.
At the University of Virginia, he found purpose and brotherhood at Phi Sigma Kappa. Through his fraternity, he met the love of his life, Ethel, and fondly spoke of their first date right before his passing. They spent the beginning years of their marriage bouncing around naval bases and eventually settled in Lisle.
It was here where Bill began his 37-year career at Argonne National Laboratory as a licensed professional engineer focused on research. He was named to the Industrial Fellows Program at the Los Alamos National Laboratory, served on the Argonne Credit Union Board, and was recognized for excellence in technology transfer.
Bill was married to Ethel for 53 years. She stood by his side, and he stood by her as she chased her dreams. Together, they raised a beautiful and loving daughter. He served as his daughter's coach, tutor and playmate. He was a kid at heart and never missed a chance to tell a dad joke about going to the dentist at tooth-hurty or making fishing puns just for the halibut.
While balancing school, work and family, Bill found his way back to the water and sailed 19 Chicago-Mackinac races and countless port-to-port races on Lake Michigan.
Bill's greatest achievement and joy was becoming a grandfather and earning the new name "Pop." He was indeed the best Papa ever, serving as his granddaughter's biggest fan.
Bill was a man of strong faith and a role model to all. He upheld the Ragland motto – I scorn to change or fear – to the very end and will be forever loved as he loved.
Bill is survived by his wife Ethel, his daughter Kelley Ragland, her husband Terry O'Grady, and his granddaughters Bella Brown, Brittney Keehn, Brooke O'Grady, and Rosie O'Grady.
A celebration of life for William A Ragland will be held on Sunday, Nov. 3 at Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home in Naperville. Visitation will take place between 12:30 and 2:30pm followed by a short remembrance service at 2:30pm. Interment will be at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to an Alzheimer's care and support or research charity of your choice.