Elizabeth Ragland Chalfant

1921 - 2018

Elizabeth Ragland Chalfant

Nashville - Elizabeth Ragland Chalfant, age 96, passed away from natural causes on January 7, 2018. She was born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, the daughter of H. H. Ragland and Elizabeth Lytle Ragland, and moved to Nashville as a child with her family. She was very proud of her family and middle Tennessee heritage. After graduating from Ward-Belmont school in Nashville, Elizabeth matriculated at Finch junior college in New York City where she acquired an expanded world view of the arts, politics, and business. While living in "the City," she met her first husband Ralph J. Chandler, Jr., who died in service during World War II as a Marine Corp pilot. She and Mr. Chandler had two children. After Mr. Chandler's death, Elizabeth returned to Nashville and eventually married Dr. Robert L. Chalfant, who also predeceased her. She and Dr. Chalfant had one child.

Elizabeth enjoyed life, traveled extensively, was an avid bridge player, had an inquiring mind and was a voracious reader. Regularly, she could be seen surrounded by multiple newspapers and she prided herself on knowing both sides of business and political issues. She had an entrepreneurial spirit, a keen interest in business, and served as CEO, then later Chairman Emeritus, of three family-owned businesses: Ragland Corporation, Ragland Investment Company, and Chalfant Enterprises.

She was also predeceased by her son Ralph J. Chandler, III; sister Juliet Ragland Shaw; and niece Susan Shaw Tucci.

She is survived by her daughter Cynthia Chandler (Strange) Lamon; son Dr. Robert L. Chalfant, Jr.; 2 daughters-in-law: Karen Chalfant and Mary Chandler; 6 grandchildren: Claudia Chandler, Celeste Chandler, Bruton Strange, V (Kristen Busch), Chandler Strange (Patrick Goddard), Nicole Chalfant and Madeleine Chalfant; and 4 great grandchildren: Bruton Strange, VI, Margaret Strange, Henry Goddard, and Ella Goddard.

Interment and a private memorial service have been held for family members. Remembrances, in lieu of flowers, should be sent to the Nashville Rescue Mission or other charity of your choice.

Visit the online obituary: www.woodlawn-roesch-pattonfh.com