of Harrison, AR
February 20, 1947 - March 17, 2020
John "Johnny" Gary Ragland passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. He was born February 20, 1947, to John B. Ragland and Opal J. Pierce Ragland, at the Gladden Clinic in Harrison, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Rae Gene Ragland, who passed in childhood in 1943.
Johnny was raised on Eagle Heights where every day held adventure and childhood friendships that have lasted a lifetime. He was a 1965 graduate of Harrison High School.
Johnny inherited a strong work ethic from his parents. His first job was delivering the Harrison Daily Times while riding his scooter. His second job was at Claude Withers Chevrolet where he learned from older mechanics how to tune a motor just by listening. His third job was driving for AMPI, Inc., picking up milk from area dairy farms and transporting it to the larger milk plants in Conway and Little Rock. While driving he would talk to others up and down Highway 65 on his CB radio. His handle was the "Early Bird". On his days off from driving, he worked alongside his dad at Ragland Door Company. Johnny ran this company until his health required early retirement.
Johnny enjoyed drives in the Ozarks. His favorite locations included Boxley Valley and the Ponca area as well as Cotter. He was an avid nature and animal lover always taking in strays whether dogs, deer, or squirrels. Very seldom would you find him without a coca-cola in his hand and an Alan Jackson, Elvis, or Willie Nelson tune playing in the background. His mornings belonged to Westerns and his Sundays to NASCAR. Dale Earnhardt was his favorite driver.
Johnny is survived by his wife, Janalu Watts Ragland; four children, three daughters, Angela Olsen and Danny Hall, Amanda and Rob Slape, and Aimee and Daniel Farley, and one son, Steven and Leesha McLeod; four grandchildren, Jacob and Hannah Farley, Payce Slape, and Sara and Russ Sharp; and one great-grandson, Wes Greene.
Visitation was Thursday, March 19, 2020, at the Roller-Christeson Funeral Home in Harrison from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M.
Graveside service was 2:00 P.M., Friday, March 20, 2020, at Maplewood Cemetery with Dr. Rockey E. Starnes officiating.
Pallbearers were Wes and Chander Davidson, Gage Evans, Danny Hall, Steven McLeod, John Pettey, and Rob Slape.
Honorary pallbearers were his running buddies Lloyd Renigar and Bill Shields, who preceded him in death, Bob and Iva Mulford, Phillip and Dixie Pettey and family, and the St. Paul's church family.
We want to thank the many doctors and nurses who have walked beside us for the past three years as our family coped with Johnny's illness. We extend a very special thank you for our Baughman Cutoff neighbors who have come when called. Many prayers have been said for us. Warm thoughts, assistance, and support have been endless for our family for which we welcomed and are grateful and appreciative of receiving.
Memorials may be given to:
St. Paul's Methodist Church,
824 S. Oak Street, Harrison, AR 72601;
Hospice of the Hills, PO Box 1927, Harrison, AR 72602;
or ParRTI, c/o NARMC, 620 N. Main, Harrison, AR 72601.
Sign Guestbook
30 Condolence(s)
Chris Williams
Monday, March 30, 2020
To Jan and family:
I am so sorry for your loss.
Johnny will be missed by all who knew him.
May peace be with you.
Betty Marrs
Thursday, March 26, 2020
Hoffmann & McFerrin Family
Thursday, March 26, 2020
Dear Jan & family,
Our sincere sympathy to each of you. Prayers of peace and comfort at this time.
-Gwen Hoffmann & Nancy McFerrin and families
John and Gail Beth Eoff
Monday, March 23, 2020
Precious Jan and Family,
We are just heart broken for you over your loss. Johnny fought so bravely, and had the best nurse in the world to take care of him. May Jesus wrap you all in his peace, comfort, and love. This is the beginning, not the end. You are so dear to us.
Leanne Turney
Sunday, March 22, 2020
Jan, Randy and I are so very sorry to hear this. I know that you will miss him greatly. God Bless and prayers be with you in this trying time. Your friends, Randy and Leanne Turney
Claudette Ferguson
Saturday, March 21, 2020
Dear Jan,
So sorry for your loss. I pray God’s watch care over you and give you peace and comfort. Much love..
Pollyanna Hodges
Saturday, March 21, 2020
For Johnny’s sweet family,
You all are so blessed with wonderful memories!
I’ll always picture Johnny and Jan in his pickup driving down the road. He was always upbeat and loved to visit.
My prayers for you all and know you were truly blessed.
Ronda Robinson
Saturday, March 21, 2020
So sorry for your loss. Prayer for God to comfort you now and the days ahead.
grant williams
Friday, March 20, 2020
Jan, Angela, Amanda and Aimee,
So sorry for your loss. He was such a nice fellow, may he rest in peace.
Sam & Mary Cecil
Friday, March 20, 2020
Sorry for your loss. Condolences to the family.
Diana S Rice
Friday, March 20, 2020
Jan, I'm so sorry for your loss.
I worked at Shelby's for almost 20 years, but have been out of touch with many. Please know I send prayers, love and hugs.
Diana Rice
Terry & Leanna
Friday, March 20, 2020
Dearest Jan,
We are so sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. God be near you in your time of grief, and keep you protected from the Covid19 virus. Know our love and prayers are with you.
Nelson & Betty Ragland
Thursday, March 19, 2020
Jan, Angela, Amanda and Aimee,
So sorry for the loss of your husband & your Dad. May God comfort you all through this sad time.
God Bless all of you.
Keith Wilson
Thursday, March 19, 2020
Rest in Peace John. You`ve earned it. My condolences to your family, Jan and Steve. You were a great guy, and I am proud to have known you.
James L. Breece
Thursday, March 19, 2020
Jan, so sorry for your loss, a really great guy.
Jim
Kennard Sheppard
Thursday, March 19, 2020
Hello Miss Jan an Family. Sorry to hear the passing of a wonderful Man. He will be missed by anyone that had the privilege to know him. Praying for you an family.
Dee Ann Harris-Cole
Thursday, March 19, 2020
On behalf of my late husband, Buddy. He thought the world of Johnny. I'm sure they had been friends for a very long time, as he spoke of him many times. My experience was how he was always there to help me with garage door problems while I lived there! Was such a great guy. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Judy Jenkins
Thursday, March 19, 2020
Hello Jan and family,
So sad to hear this news. Sorry I could not be at visitation tonight. I will be thinking of you and praying for God to give you the comfort that only He can provide.
Sisters in Christ,
Judy Jenkins
Tommy Bearden
Thursday, March 19, 2020
A lot of my memories of Johnny involve cars. I'd ride with him in that '55 Bel Air delivering the paper. The only time he ever let me drive it was when we picked up his first new Malibu SS. Then there was the SS 396...
Those were great times, and Johnny was a good friend.
Sharon House Nasti
Thursday, March 19, 2020
JanaLu, Im so sorry to hear of Johnny’s passing. There’s many happy memories of the two of you. I imagine you on a scooter with him. Such a beautiful obituary, what a wonderful man. Special prayers to you, JanaLu, and your family.
Jim Stills
Thursday, March 19, 2020
Sorry for your loss. He was a good friend in high school.
Mavis Shires
Thursday, March 19, 2020
Janalu,
So sorry. Johnny was such a happy, pleasant person to be around. Always smiling. He will be missed by many. Keeping you and your family in prayer.
Linda Mills Cockrum
Thursday, March 19, 2020
I graduated with John. He was a pleasure to know. Jan & children, I am so sorry for your loss. There is nothing easy about losing our loved ones. I pray for your comfort and peace in the days ahead
Melissa L Doss
Thursday, March 19, 2020
My prayers are with you.
Melissa Doss
Judy & James Riggs
Thursday, March 19, 2020
Janalu we are so sorry. He fought a hard battle. Praying for you and your Family! Love you!â¤ï¸
Roy and Kathy Sisco
Thursday, March 19, 2020
So sorry for your loss blessings and prayers for all.
Paul "PJ" Jackson
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
Talk about memories...the obituary didn't mention Johnny's horse, on which Johnny rode all over Eagle Heights and made a daily stop at our house. That was always a treat, since Johnny liked my English Setter and I was crazy about that horse.
Really nice guy and a really nice family. Johnny and his horse were a part of what made growing up in Harrison an experience of halcyon memories for me. Every kid deserves that kind of childhood. Rest in peace, Johnny, and I hope they had a horse ready for you up there.
Jennifer and Brad Patrick
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
Prayers for you all! We will miss his smiling face. Thoughts and prayers with you and your familyâ¤ï¸
Steven J Valentine
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
So sorry for your loss! Our prayers are with the family and He will be missed !
From,
Steve & Belinda
Richard Coke
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
Johnny and I were good friends back in high school. I'll remember him.