Billie Ragsdale
Billie Louise Shofner Ragsdale, loving wife and mother, passed into Heaven on Sept. 30, 2023.
Billie was born on Jan. 27, 1934, in Levelland, Texas, to Clayton Bedford Shofner and Clarabelle Patterson Shofner.
Billie is survived by her husband of 70 years, James Howard Ragsdale, formerly of Union City. She is also survived by her five children, Rachel (Rob) Irby of Franklin, Amy (Cliff) Wright of Murfreesboro, Howard (Emily) Ragsdale Jr. of Brentwood, Mark (Kelli) Ragsdale of Melbourne, Fla., and Tim (Andrea) Ragsdale of Keller, Texas; 15 grandchildren; and 19+ great-grandchildren.
A native Texan, Billie met Howard at a church event while he was stationed with the Army in San Antonio, Texas. With trust in God’s plan for her life and a deep love for her husband, Billie moved from San Antonio to Memphis in 1953. Her heart’s desire was to marry a man of God and to raise many children who would also share God’s love and salvation wherever God placed them. Billie and Howard moved from Memphis to Ripley, when Howard finished Medical School in 1959, and later moved to Union City in 1967.
With a servant heart, Billie accompanied Howard on seven foreign mission trips and eagerly participated in local church, community and teaching ministries. Beginning at the age of 17 years of age, Billie, a strong prayer warrior, led Bible Classes and Prayer Groups whenever she had the opportunity. Besides spending time with her children and grandchildren, one of Billie’s greatest joys was teaching English as a Second Language in the Union City area where she welcomed her new friends frequently into her home. An avid painter, Billie’s artwork, especially her landscapes, led others to marvel at God’s beautiful creation.
Billie’s favorite Bible verse reminds us… “they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31.
Visitation will be on Oct. 15, 2023, at First Baptist Church in Union City at 2 pm with the Celebration of Life Service to follow at 3 p.m. Graveside services will be at East View Cemetery in Union City.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to Tennessee Baptist Children’s Homes or Building Miracles for Guatemala.
White-Ranson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences may be sent to the family at the funeral home website: www.white-ranson.com.
Published in The Messenger 10.11.23