George Ragsdale, 81, of Bridge City, passed away Monday, November 18, 2013, at his residence.
Funeral Services will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, November 21, 2013, at Claybar Funeral Home Chapel in Orange. Officiating will be Reverend Forrest Wood, pastor of First Baptist Church of Orangefield. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens near Bridge City. Serving as Pallbearers will be Bill Kiihnl, Larry Sanford, Ronnie Evans, Robert Montagne, Harvey Gunter and Paul Smith.
Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Wednesday, at the funeral home in Orange.
Born in Corsicana, Texas on May 26, 1932, George was the son of G.W. and Ura Ragsdale. George’s early childhood was in a small county school in Rocky Mountain, Texas. This was a small school that was moved into the New London School District upon consolidation. His education through high school was at New London.
He met Frances, his wife of 58 years, when her dad was transferred into the New London oil field area. They married on December 29, 1954, after receiving their degree at Stephen F. Austin College.
His years in school business were enjoyable years, most of them in Deweyville ISD, where he was a teacher, high school principal and superintendent. His students still made it a point to come around to visit him. The only ones who suffered going through school were his daughter and son. They always said they could never get away with anything because they had mama in elementary and daddy all the way through high school.
George loved his dog, Kellie Kay, He enjoyed wood working where he made fountain pens. George also loved to travel with his airstream friends where he made every state in the union; including Alaska and Nova Scotia. He also enjoyed his morning trips to Whataburger, hunting, shrimping and fishing. George will be solely missed by many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and two grandsons, Michael and James Reeh. George is survived by his wife, Frances Ragsdale; children, Elaine Reeh and husband, Wayne, formerly of Orange, Randy Ragsdale and wife, Paula; three grandchildren, Rebekah, Sarah, and Ryan.
He is also survived by his sister, Peggy Shaffer and husband, Wayne of Hillsboro, Texas; sister-in-law, Nora Pass of Longview; brother-in-law, Bob Pitts of Houston; and niece, Dee Dee Guido and husband, Mike of Covington, Louisiana.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Orangefield, located at 9788 FM 105, Orange, Texas 77630, or P.O. Box 288, 77639 Orangefield, Texas.
Condolences
Johnny Peveto
November 21, 2013
To the Family of George Ragsdale, Memories are many when I worked with the Ragsdales and taught Elaine. One memory was when Randy first started to school, some one told him if he got in trouble just to run up to the high school and see his Dad, George, well he did just that. I know you will miss him, but in your Hearts and in your MInd he will always be with you. Sorry I could not be there with you today. My Prayers and thoughts have been for each of you. Sincerely, Johnny Peveto
Jimmy Harris
November 21, 2013
Dearest Elaine, Frances and Wayne,
Jimmy and I were so saddened by your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. What a marvelous homecoming was in heaven for him. Even though he will be missed greatly he left a marvelous legacy and touched so many in such a positive way. May your memories help ease your loss.
Love you all, Jmimy and Sherry Harris
Jackie Lafleur
November 21, 2013
1 file added to the tribute wall
Cheryl Frizzell Graham
November 20, 2013
Prayers and sympathy to the Ragsdale family. Mr Ragsdale was a patient and encouraging educator. He rarely lost his temper. Actually the only time I recall him losing his temper, we (the students) very much deserved it. Over the years as I taught high school English, my thoughts often turned to Mr. & Mrs. Ragsdale. He will be remembered by many. Thank you, Mr Ragsdale for your guidance, encouragement, and inspiration. Cheryl Frizzell Graham
Charlotte D.
November 20, 2013
Charlotte D. purchased the Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum for the family of George Ragsdale.
Sandra Frizzell Andrews
November 20, 2013
Prayers and love to the Ragsdale Family. He touched a lot of lives in his tenure as our principal including me. I too share Jackie's memory of him coming down the hall and Charlotte's of him driving our bus to Austin. He could be stern but always had a smile and a good word when you needed it. You will be in our memories forever. Sandra Frizzell Andrews
Charlotte Bickham Davis
November 20, 2013
Prayers to the Ragsdale family. Mr. Ragsdale was such a big part of my teen years, first as a neighbor, he liked to watch me play basketball with my brothers from his front porch. We provided him with many laughs, even though my brothers were awful to me. I have that same memory that Jackie has about him coming down the hall. He was so much fun when he drove the bus for our State Basketball tourney trips. I also appreciated the influence that he offered to my brother Robert, aka BearHunter. May your memories sustain you. He will forever be apart of my heart.
Karen Laughlin
November 20, 2013
Sending prayers up for the Ragsdale family. Mr. & Mrs. Ragsdale were such great role models for me. I owe my career to them both. I ask Mr. Ragsdale for an aide job back in the 70's and he said, "No, Karen, you need to go get your teaching degree, but I'll let you sub while you go to college." And that's what I did. Mrs. Ragsdale hired me in 1979 and the rest is history. Love all of you!
Jackie Lafleur
November 20, 2013
How could we ever count the young lives he influenced as high school principal at DISD? Such a stern face walking down the hall, keys and coins jingling. And then.....that smile that just lit up his whole face would erupt. Mr. Ragsdale will never be forgotten.
Drue Keogh
November 20, 2013
Everyone loved Mr. Ragsdale. So glad that I had the pleasure of knowing such a fine man and school principle. He was the best. Prayers to his family. We all have very fond memories of him and our high school days.... now we smile and say,,those were the good ole days. He will be missed. Drue
Larraine Felan
November 20, 2013
To my Aunt Francis and family. I wanted to say Thank You for letting me have one of the greatest men in my life. My memories of when Mom, Dede and I went to see you and Uncle George were the best. Having fun riding bikes with Randy and Elaine, of you, Aunt Francis cooking your world famous Chicken.. Don't know what it was about the food, but you were always and I mean always having great food. You and Uncle George made us feel welcome and loved. When we, Dede and I needed to be Loved you were always there, with big Hugs and LOTS of love. I will miss Uncle George, but I was really glad to know that he was there when I needed him and when I did'nt. I knew I when I was getting ready to something wrong, I could hear him in my mind saying "Raine" and I knew I was in trouble. Seeing him a Katie's wedding this past summer was one of the greatest times that I hold in my heart and will do so forever. Mike, Stephanie, Johnny and I, all love and cherish the memories of you, Lanie and Uncle George. Lanie and Randy, PLEASE give your Mom a huge hug from us.With love and deepest respect. Your Neice in DallasLarraine.
Randy Bonin
November 20, 2013
I am so sorry to hear this sad news. Mr. Ragsdale was an excellent role model for all of us at Deweyville High School. He put many students “on the right path”, before they entered the real world of life. Too bad, more of today’s school principals do not have his character and leadership. Sending prayers to all of the family. Randy Bonin
Rev. Donald Frazier
November 19, 2013
To The Family of George Ragsdale,I have just learned of Mr. Ragsdale passing and I am deeply shocked. He was a very nice man and so was his wife and the rest of the family. I will be praying for peace and comfort in this time of sorrow. God Bless You All.God Bless,Rev. Donald Ray FrazierPastor, Pocket Full Gospel Community Church.Class of 1983
Lauri Stanley Benoit
November 19, 2013
RIP Mr. Ragsdale ! You really was a great man even when I was in trouble ( and that was a lot lol) . I have thought of you many times over the years always with a big smile on my face ! My Prayers are with you Mrs . Ragsdale , Elaine and Randy and the rest of the family ! Lauri Stanley Benoit
Janie (Welch) Hyatt
November 19, 2013
Elaine sorry to hear of your dads passing prayers to you and your entire family.Janie (Welch) Hyatt
Peggy Reeh
November 19, 2013
Peggy Reeh purchased the Basket of Memories for the family of George Ragsdale.
Shirley Beaudoin
November 19, 2013
I remember him from Deweyville high school He was the kindness Principal in the 70's; was his wife...Glad i got to know him.My Deepest Sympathy
Faye Hippler Bowers
November 19, 2013
Once in a while someone or a whole family touches your life forever. Your family will always hold a special place in my heart. I believe that George and Frances greatly influenced my life...and many others along the way. I remember George and Frances before they had gray hair...before they had Elaine and Randy. I remember watching you grow as a family and admired you all with so much love. Thank you for giving me such precious memories. Faye
Dede Guido
November 19, 2013
Dear Aunt Frances, Elaine and Randy, Words can never express how incredibly sorry I am for your loss. Uncle George was someone who made a huge difference in my life, and I know I'm not the only one. I'll miss him so very much. Y'all are all in my prayers. DeDe