Mr. Jerry Ragsdale

Thomas Jerry Ragsdale, 89 years of age, began his Forever Life in Heaven around 6 am Sunday morning, January 14, 2018, after peacefully departing in his sleep at home after a 10-month decline in health. He would have been 90 in April. His death is preceded by his wife, Reba, and son, Gary, his parents, Charles and Stella Ragsdale, sister, Irene Hayes, and brother, C.J. Ragsdale. Jerry, the son of Charles and Stella Ragsdale, was born April 23, 1928, in Lake City, Arkansas. He grew up helping his family on the farm and attended church where he met his wife, Reba. He loved sales and ultimately became a Real Estate Broker and formed his own company, Home Town Realty, through which he loved selling timber land and farm land. He also sold life and accident insurance policies for many years. After moving to Jackson, he attended First Pentecostal Church where he was an usher and choir member while Reba played the piano. Later, they became members of Southside Assembly of God where he led the worship service on Sunday evenings while Reba played the piano. They both had such a love for music and he was tender-hearted, determined, and a serious student of the Bible for many years. Hard to say whether his greatest passion was singing or bird hunting! For over 60 years, he sang in Gospel groups in Arkansas, Missouri and Mississippi. In retirement, he and Reba ministered in nursing homes in the Jackson area. He was also an avid golfer and fisherman. He loved having coffee/lunch with friends, and kept us all laughing with his jokes and spontaneous remarks. He and Reba had a great love of dogs and treated all of theirs like their children. He will forever remain in our hearts…such fond memories. Survivors include his nephews, Paul Ragsdale (Judy) of St. Louis, MO; Wayne Ragsdale (Sara) of Baton Rouge, LA; his daughter-in-law, Laura Ragsdale; his sister-in-law, Annell George of Paragould, AR and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held at Chancellor Funeral Home in Byram on Wednesday, January 17th from 4:30pm-6:30pm. Visitation will continue on Thursday, January 18th at 1pm with funeral services beginning at 2pm. Graveside services will follow at Lakewood Cemetery in Clinton. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Southside Choir at Southside Assembly of God, 665 Raymond Road, Jackson, MS 39202. On line guest book available at www.chancellorfuneralhome.com.