Dr. James Ragsdale
Dr. James Howard Ragsdale, age 95, devoted husband, father and physician passed away on April 8, 2024. Howard was born on March 1,1929, in Trimble, Tennessee, to Malcolm and Ima Ragsdale.
God, Family, Community and Country were of the highest priorities in Howard’s life. While serving his country during the Korean War, Howard met Billie Shofner, married her and brought her home to Tennessee where they spent the next 70 years raising five children, teaching and leading together in their local Baptist church, and serving globally through Baptist missions opportunities. Howard was a graduate of Memphis State University and University of Tennessee Medical Units. Treating patients in Ripley and Union City, he was a Family Physician for 48 years, a Health Officer with the Tennessee Department of Health for seven additional years and a volunteer with medical missions on 10 international trips.
In addition to his family, his profession and his church, Howard loved baseball, especially participating in his sons’ team activities, and watching the St. Louis Cardinals. A Master Gardener, he designed, planted and nurtured stunning flower beds of lilies, roses and tulips, especially around his flagpole.
Howard was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Billie, and is survived by his five children, Rachel (Rob) Irby of Franklin, Tennessee, Amy (Cliff) Wright of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Howard (Emily) Ragsdale Jr. of Brentwood, Tennessee, Mark (Kelli) Ragsdale of Melbourne, Florida, and Tim (Andrea) Ragsdale of Keller, Texas; 15 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Charles Ragsdale of Knoxville, Tennessee.
Visitation with Dr. Ragsdale’s family will be on April 19, 2024, at First Baptist Church, Union City, Tennessee, beginning at noon, with the Celebration Service to follow at 1:30 p.m. Graveside services will be at East View Cemetery, Union City.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Tennessee Baptist Children’s Homes, Building Miracles for Guatemala, or a charity of choice
White-Ranson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Published in The Messenger 4.10.24