James E. Ragan, Jr.
James E. Ragan, Jr., 85, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 1, 2023.
Special thanks to the professional and compassionate care he received in his final days from Hearth Hospice and Morning Pointe staff in Greenbrier Cove.
Mr. Ragan was born in Nashville, the son of the late Jimmie and Virginia Bass Ragan. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Joyce Wasson, of Atlanta.
Mr. Ragan is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Carole, and children: James E. Ragan, III (Lani), Hendersonville, NC, Carole Cay DiPonzio (Steve), Hermitage, TN, and Patrick Winton Ragan (Traci), Marietta, GA; grandchildren: Camille McFarland (Burke), Cameron Collins (Camryn), and Cory Collins (Jessika), Lara Patty (Tyler), Jessica Wheeler (Daniel), and Hannah Stubblefield (Reid); great-grandchildren: Ava, Gibson, Cayden, Lydia, Judah, Asher, Lily and Simeon. Also surviving are nieces Vickie Hickam and Cindy Southern and nephew Dana (Kim) Grubbs.
Mr. Ragan graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with undergraduate and graduate degrees in mathematics and science. He also received credentials in school administration from Virginia Tech University, Blacksburg, Va. He was a career educator working in private and public education including classroom teaching in mathematics and computer science as well as administrative appointments. His work included serving as high school principal of Colegio Internacional de Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela, principal of Rhea County High School, Evensville, Tennessee, working with the Tennessee State Department of Education’s Special Schools Division, and concluding his career with Metro Nashville Public Schools as an assistant principal at Glencliff High School.
He was active in his church, serving as a deacon and adult Sunday school teacher for several years. He was a member of The Donelson Fellowship, Nashville, and Hermitage Hills Baptist Church, Hermitage. Then until his passing, he held membership at Ooltewah Baptist Church, Ooltewah, TN.
He enjoyed family gatherings and his retirement years with good friends at Greenbriar Cove Retirement Community in Ooltewah. His hobbies and interests included working with the Greenbriar Cove HOA, woodworking projects, gardening, and raising hybrid tea roses.
Family will receive friends at Ooltewah Baptist Church, 5514 Main St., Ooltewah, Tn. 37363 on Tuesday, June 6, from 1-2 p.m. followed immediately by a Celebration of Life service in the sanctuary. Pastor Patrick Ragan will officiate accompanied by Pastor Jeremy Colloms. The private graveside service will be held at Hamilton Memorial Gardens. Grandchildren and family members will serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Josiah Venture in support of Tyler & Lara Patty, PO Box 4317, Wheaton, IL 60189 (www.josiahventure.com) or to SEND Relief, 4200 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30022 (www.sendrelief.org).
Please share your thoughts and memories online at www.ChattanoogaValleyViewChapel.com
Arrangements are to be handled by the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.