George "Skipper" Ragsdale

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George Ragsdale Obituary

George (Skipper) Ragsdale George (Skipper) Ragsdale was born in Houston, Texas, on May 11, 1950, and passed away the week after Christmas, 2008. He was the beloved son of Edith and Rufus Ragsdale. Skipper graduated from Lee High School and the University of Texas. He loved to travel and in his 20s and 30s lived in Trinidad while working for Baroid and traveling throughout South America. He also accompanied his father on a photo tour of Africa. He worked for the Texas State Health Department for twenty years in Austin, a dream come true in a town he cherished. Upon retirement in 2005, Skip moved to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and got to do what he loved the most -- fish. He is survived by his sister, Sue Walters in Houston, as well as his nephews, Brian Bossin, Billy Walters and Blake Walters. Skip was a dear and peaceful man, so if you knew him then say a prayer for him and kindly toast his memory. You can also share thoughts and memories at http://memorialwebsites.legacy.com/skipperragsdale/Homepage.aspx in the Memory Book section.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Austin American-Statesman on Feb. 1, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for George Ragsdale

11 Entries

Rojero Buenrico

May 29, 2024

I'm surprised that I missed this notice of Skip's death. He was an interesting figure from high school and college and we had several mutual acquaintances and a couple of friends in common. He was a full-bore partier from my neck of Houston nearTanglewood/River Oaks. Some of my classmates from high school introduced us here in Austin during college. I can't pretend that we were close buddies but I was always aware of Skipper and I'm glad he got in 30 good years enjoying life on his terms. In fact, the last time I can recall speaking to him was in c. 1971 at the base of the stairs at Mt Bonnell where we burned one and I noticed how stained his fingers were with resin. I hope that he never changed his free form life. Skipper, rest well.

Jim Barton

February 15, 2009

George was one of a gang of regulars at the Hole in the Wall. He was an easy going cool dude. It was at the Hole where I met him and we partied a bit over the years. Later, when life demand that I make a living, I moved to El Paso - but I kept contact with George. I enjoyed showing George my favorite haunts in El Paso (Wildhare's being El Paso's version of the Hole in the Wall) when he visited on business. We also went skiing in Ruidoso on a couple of occasions. Even back then, George expressed great interest in retiring in Mexico or Central America. I'm shocked and saddened that he is gone. Skip Davis and I were talking about George only a couple of weeks ago - thinking that he was still in Mexico. So long George. I'm sorry to wasn't there to say goodbye.

Billy Seale

February 4, 2009

With deepest sympathy during your time of loss.

Rick M.

February 3, 2009

I knew Skipper from 1995 until 2008...he was a friend from the Hole in the Wall, one of his local hang outs in Austin.

maybe some of you have heard of this legendary establishment?

We would always meet and lift a few drinks, talking about books or the absurdity of life in general. he had a great sense of humor and a subtle understanding of how sublime the ridiculous actually was. after he read it, he gave me a book on mutiny..i think similar to many i met in Texas, he had a rebellious heart.

To my observation, George led a full life. he liked to party and chill with his running buddies...one whom Gary Coffey he joins in the Great Question Mark in the same year, much too soon. But he was thoughtful and reflective, something i can say about too few...

I remember talking to him about his moving to Mexico over drinks and smokes on Woodrow. He was looking forward to that, and sent me fotos of the catch they get off Puerto Vallarta. i never did get to the Pacific coast to go fishing. he had over 3 good years there.

i saw him in November of 2008. i was in Austin the first week of that month and heard he was coming back from Mexico. after a couple of drinks later on, I went by Woodrow and knocked on the door. Who drove up? Skipper with his dog, Pancho. that was weird. we talked outside for about an hour and a half. i was leaving town the next day and i didn't see him again after that, but it seemed like a real sudden move him coming back.

if he knew he was sick, Skipper wasn't going to tell many people about it, thats for sure. and he was sure as hell NEVER going complain about his fate...all of ours eventually... he definitely had some old school about him that way.

he was a fun, generous, and pretty quiet person. I am glad to have called him a friend.

i will miss you Jefe and knowing your doing your thing somewhere in this world.

SURFS UP DUDE!

peace, Rick

Aaron Shannon

February 3, 2009

George!!! It was only 3 months ago you came back to vote.. The last time I will ever see you... I wish I could have spent more time talking to you. Well, you were always a gentleman, a class act in every way. Another of the great old Texas surfers is gone. Tell Gary I said hello, ok? See you when I am looking at you, Skipper!

Bettye Martin

February 3, 2009

DIS days in Houston with George, great times! I've always admired George's ability to live life on his terms. Retiring to Mexico with his dog seemed soo George. George you will be missed, I'm glad our journeys crossed.

My deepest sympathy to the family,

Bettye

Susan Aulds

February 2, 2009

I knew George from working in the same program with him at the Texas Dept of Health. George was always a gentleman, as expressed by Raul Tellez of El Paso, and he had a wry sense of humor and knew his work well. George was a fount of information. I shared with him a love for Latin America. He will be missed.

Debra Fischman

February 2, 2009

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

Raul Tellez

February 2, 2009

George was a true "Gentleman" and a great teacher. When I was hired as a Contract employee, in El Paso, Texas for DSHS, he was sent to El Paso, on numerous occassions, to train me, "Hands On". He was a patient man who ensured that I was properly trained. When I went to Austin on DSHS Business trips, I always looked for him, even if it was to say "Hello". I considered him a "friend" and will always remember his like for "Kalua". I will surely Miss him.

Randy Speights

February 1, 2009

Rest in Peace, Scooter. Mild mannered reporter of life.

James Rayburn

February 1, 2009

Im schocked and saddened by the loss of a life long friend. Our Fathers took us hunting and fishing together as children. I visited Skipper in Mexico in Dec. of 2007 and we caught some big Dorado together.
R.I.P. Skipper

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