THOMAS GRAHAM RAGAN
Aug. 22, 1931-Aug. 4, 2010
Thomas "Tom" Graham Ragan, 78, 122 Tinderwood Drive, Goldsboro, N.C., left these earthly bonds to be with the Lord Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2010, at his home surrounded by family and friends.
A visitation will be held Saturday, Aug. 7, 2010, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home. Interment will be Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2010, at 11 a.m. in Woodlawn Cemetery in Durham, N.C., with military honors.
Thomas was born in Washington, N.C., Aug. 22, 1931, to the late Walter G. Ragan and Margaret E. Wallace Ragan.
He was a proud member of the United States Coast Guard for 23 years.
Since retirement from the military, he worked for several manufacturing companies, lastly Northern Telecom. After retiring from there, he was employed by several Triangle area country clubs and golf courses in various roles.
Along with his love for country, family, friends, sports and any four-legged creature that crossed his path, in recent years he had renewed his faith and enjoyed attending church, first at Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Durham, N.C., and then at New Life Baptist in Goldsboro, N.C.
He never knew a stranger, and never disrespected anyone until they proved themselves not worthy of his trust.
He was a sports lover for all of his life, both as a participant and as a fan. From his early years of football and baseball, to softball in the military, bowling and then lastly, golf. And he excelled at them all!
Thomas is survived by his daughter, Margaret E. Ragan Parker and husband, Terry R. Parker, of Pikeville; his sons, Donald G. Ragan, Ronald L. Ragan and David E. Ragan of Durham, N.C., and John T. Ragan of the home; his sisters-in-law, E. Earle Daeke and Mary L. Daeke of Raleigh, N.C.; as well as his dedicated caregivers, Leanne, Clinton and Mary; and other family members; his four-legged children, Lewis, Dutch and Sunny; lifelong friends; and new acquaintances also survive him.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of more than 50 years, "the love of his life," Eva "Carolyn" Daeke Ragan; his only sibling, Ronald C. Ragan; and his only nephew, Kenneth G. Ragan.
The family would like to express its thanks and appreciation to the staff of Prime Care, 3 HC, Wayne Memorial Hospital and Respracare, Inc. for all of their care during his final days. Love and special thanks go to his devoted caregivers, who were there with him day and night providing the increasing care that was required due to the disease that robbed us of him too soon.
Flowers are welcome or memorials may be given to the Alzheimer's Association, the Diabetes Foundation or the Wayne County Animal Shelter.
The family will receive friends during the viewing at Seymour Funeral Home in Goldsboro, and at the graveside service in Durham, N.C.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on August 6, 2010 1:47 PM