Ronald Robert Ragsdale

Ronald Robert Ragsdale

Ronald Robert Ragsdale, 72, of Jonesboro passed from this life Jan. 9, 2015, at St. Bernards Medical Center. Ronnie was born April 3, 1942, in Rockford, Ill., to the late James and Eva Ragsdale. He spent his childhood in California. He lived in Lake City most of his adult life. Ronnie was employed at FMC, Colson, Fairbanks Morse, Singer, and was the owner of Ragsdale Food Center From 1970 to 1982; and was an over the road truck driver. He was a member of Nettleton Baptist Church and of the Faithful Followers Sunday School Class; and was an active member of the Caraway Masonic Lodge. Ronnie loved fishing, hunting, golfing, and especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren play sports.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Lonald Lee Ragsdale; and one granddaughter, Jennifer Davenport.

Ronnie is survived by his wife of 49 years, Pat Ragsdale of the home; one son, Mark DeWitt of Ft. Worth, Texas; two daughters, Donna McMillin (Jeff) of Jonesboro and Mary Etta Qualls (Bret) of Conway; one sister, Gloria Bridges of San Dimas, Calif.; four grandchildren, Steven DeWitt and Michael DeWitt of Ft. Worth, Texas, Janna Davenport of Conway, and Shayna McMillin of Jonesboro; and two great-grandchildren, Maggie Erbach and Emma Fulmer.

Service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, at Emerson Memorial Chapel with Greg Rainwater and Craig Miller officiating. Burial will follow at Monette Cemetery with Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Serving as active pallbearers will be Stan McMillin, Kenny Qualls, Dale Miller, David Halfacre, Michael DeWitt and Steven DeWitt. The honorary pallbearers will be the NBC Faithful Followers Sunday School Class, Danny Strickland, Jake Gilley and J.R. Puckett.

Visitation is 5-7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12, at Emerson Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital: 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105.

Online registry: www.emersonfuneralhome.com