WILLIE A. RAGIN
GABLE - Deacon Willie Aaron Ragin, 57, husband of Barbara Brown Ragin, died Monday, Feb. 21, 2011, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center, Sumter.
He was a son of the late Pinkney Aaron and Annie Laura Nelson Ragin Jr. He was born March 5, 1953, in Summerton. At an early age he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior and became a member of Open Door Holiness Church, Summerton. After marriage, he became a member of Goodwill Presbyterian Church, Mayesville, and was later ordained as a deacon. Willie's love for and faith in Christ was evident in his devotion to Goodwill and the church universal. Deacon Ragin served as president of the Men's Council, Deacons Board, youth and adult Sunday school teacher and a member of the Stewardship and Nominating Committees. Willie also served on the Finance Committee of New Harmony Presbytery. Willie's mantra for living was summoned up in a number of biblical scriptures, including Romans 8:39 and Mark 11:23-24. He believed in the unconditional love of God and the power of faith in Jesus Christ. He also believed that in any trial, circumstance or difficulty, there is hope, strength and life-altering power in the name and belief in Jesus Christ. He was A 1972 graduate of Scott's Branch High School and continued his education at Morris College and later received his bachelor of arts degree from St. Leo University. Willie served his country for 22 years as a staff sergeant in the Army. Upon retirement, he continued his life of service as a Workforce Investment Act coordinator for Wateree Community Actions.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Lillie Ann Ogbonna; and a brother, James Ragin.
Survivors are his wife, Barbara Brown Ragin, of the home; two daughters, Monica Yvette of Columbia, and Faneisha Deneise of Durham, N.C.; four sisters, Dianne Ragin and Daisy (Chester) Lawson, both of Summerton, Fenia Ragin of Manning and Annie Laura (Kenneth) McKenzie of Miami; five brothers, Robert (Annette) Ragin of Summerton, Jonathan Ragin of North Carolina, John (Mary) Ragin and Steve Ragin, both of Akron, Ohio, and Thomas Lee (Tracy) Ragin of Sumter; a mother-in-law, Jeanie (Willie) Jefferson of Mayesville; two aunts, Lillie Smyth and Emma (Bobby) Hill; an uncle, Hampton Ragin; and three sisters-in-law.
Services were held Thursday, Feb. 24, 2011, at Goodwill Presbyterian Church, 295 N. Brick Church Road, Mayesville, with the Rev. Dr. Ella F. Busby, pastor, officiating, assisting the Rev. Dr. Franklin Colclough. Burial with full military rites followed in the Goodwill Presbyterian Church cemetery.
The family received friends at the home, 1140 Barbara's Lane, Gable.
Online memorials may be left for the family at samuelsfuneralhome.com.
These services have been entrusted to Samuels Funeral Home LLC of Manning.