Major Bernard G Ragsdale, Jr. Obituary (1943 - 2018)

Bernard G. Ragsdale, Jr. Major Bernard G. Ragsdale, Jr., USAF Retired, was a patriot. He was passionate in his devotion to his country, stalwart in his faith, and a believer in the intrinsic good in human-kind, and in its ability to triumph over evil. Our Bernie died peacefully on May 17, 2018. He was surrounded by his family and friends, at home, in a room full of love. Born in Atlanta, September 14, 1943, son of Dorothy and Barney Ragsdale, he was a graduate of North Fulton High School, received his B.A. in History from Emory University, and his M.B.A. from Brenau University. He received a regular commission into the USAF in 1965. He served in-country in Viet Nam as a C-123 pilot, "flying people, pigs and materiel in and out of the jungle". For his service there, among several commendations, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross. Bernie was not one to boast about his accomplishments. His was a stoic, matter-of-fact remembrance of events with a good bit of humor and wit thrown in. After retiring from the Air Force, he flew commercially for Atlantic Southeast Airlines (ASA), and is remembered by his co-pilots and crew and all who knew him there as the consummate professional. Quoting one of his co-pilots, "He was the smartest, funniest guy I ever knew. Taught me how to be a captain and I am forever grateful to have learned from him." He retired from ASA and came back to Beaufort and worked as an assistant manager at Grayco Hardware. There he came to know our community before becoming the Coordinator for Continuing Education at the Technical College of the Lowcountry (TCL). Of the many messages and notes our family has received, these constant themes are repeated: He was kind, and one-of-a-kind. Wise, humorous, courageous, special. Known by his laugh, his wicked wit, his honest expression of this thoughts, and love of his country. He had the ability to step back and see the larger picture and put things in perspective. He was generous with his time, talent and resources. He enjoyed reading with the children at Coosa Elementary. He persevered in teaching adults in the GED program, encouraging his students to keep on trying and he found a way to teach them so they could understand the subject and succeed. Bernie was a dedicated member of Rotary Club of Beaufort, acted as Sergeant-at-Arms, and was a Paul Harris Fellow. Bernie was proud to have completed the Leadership Beaufort program and supported his church as he trusted its commitment to sharing ministry "outside the building". He will be remembered by many as a great friend, as a writer of honest opinion, by his family as a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather and father-in-law. He enjoyed posting his photos of beautiful sunsets, and so Bernie Ragsdale has gone to follow the sun. He faced death as he lived life, with dignity, courage and humor. He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Mary Chappell Ragsdale; children Ashley Colvin (Jim) of Rota, Spain, Shannon Ross (Andrew) of Moraga, California, and Adam Ragsdale (Elizabeth) of Savannah, Georgia; eight granddaughters, Katie and Sophie Colvin, Sidney and Lucy Ross, Isabella, Addison, Lillibeth and Vivian Ragsdale; nieces Nia McKinzi and Moriah Chappell, and nephew Bryan Chappell. A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Beaufort at 1pm on Tuesday, May 22. A reception will follow at the Fellowship Hall. His ashes will be interred with honors at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Disabled American Veterans Association, First Presbyterian Church of Beaufort, and Friends of Caroline Hospice of Beaufort.