Cefe6ration ofLife for 
9{aymond L. 9{agsdafe 
Friday, February 25 , 2005 1:00pm 
Cascatfe f{lnitetf 9vfetfwtfist Cliurcli 3144 Cascade Road Atlanta, Georgia 
Reverend Walter L. Kimbrough, Pastor Officiating 
 
 I'd like the memory ofme To be a happy one. 
I 'd like to leave an afterglow Ofsmiles when life is done. 
I 'd like to leave an echo Whispering softly down the ways Ofhappy times and laughing times 
And bright and sunny days. I'd like the tears ofthose who grieve 
To dry before the sun Ofhappy memories that I leave 
When life is done. 
-Carol Mirkel 
 
 06ituaT!J 
Raymond L. Ragsdale began life in Atlanta, Georgia on March 29, 1933. He was 
the second eldest of Frances and Arbie Ragsdale. 
He completed his high school education at Howard High School. He earned his Undergraduate Degree from Clark College (now Clark Atlanta University) and his Masters and Specialist Degrees from Georgia State University. Raymond served his country during the Korean War. While serving in the military, he received the National Defense Medal, Korean Service Medal and United Nations Service Medal. 
He remained an active and dedicated church member throughout his life. As a member of Mount Calvary Baptist Church, he taught Sunday School and served on the Trustee Board. He also served as an officer of the Trustee Board at Beulah Baptist Church. At the time of his departure, he was an active member of Cascade United Methodist Church, where he sang in the Chancel Choir and was a member of the Men's Usher Board. 
Raymond loved children and dedicated his life to their educational growth. He taught school in the Atlanta Public School System for thirty-five years. He was selected Teacher of the Year on three different occasions and received many awards. He retired in June of 1998 from Ragsdale Elementary School. After retirement, he remained active and had stand in roles in Mama Flora's Family and Remember the Titans. He was an active member of Georgia Association of Educators (GAE), the National Education Association (NEA) and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. 
He was married to Yvonne Clark for the past twenty-one years. 
One of his greatest passions was working in his garden. He created beautiful landscapes and shared many "gardening tips" with neighbors, friends, and family. Cherished memories will remain in the hearts of his loved ones: a loving and dedicated wife, Yvonne C. Ragsdale; two daughters, Michelle Rouse (Lee) and Valerie Ragsdale; one son, Renard Ragsdale; one step-daughter, Tara Brown (Milton); one step-son, Eric J. Clark; two granddaughters, Ashlee Rouse and Danielle Clark; one grandson, Myles Brown; three sisters, Beverly Collier, Josephine Davis, and Dorothy Smith; one brother, Johnny Ragsdale; one devoted mother-in-law; four devoted sisters-in-law; two devoted brothers-in-law and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 
 
 Prelude 
 
Ortfer ofService 
"There's a Sweet, Sweet Spirit" Luther Washington, Organist 
 
Greeting 
 
Reverend Walter L. Kimbrough 
 
Hymn of Celebration 
 
"Soon and Very Soon"-Hymn #706 
 
Scripture Reading Old Testament.............Psalm 27 New Testament...........II Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18 
 
Pastor Shari Rates Minister Paul Thibodaux 
 
Prayer 
 
Reverend Mwendo Brown 
 
Solo 
 
"His Eye is On the Sparrow"-Ishara Wright 
 
Reflection (three minutes, please) 
 
Eric Clark, Step-son 
 
Victoria Travis Jackson, Classmate-David T. Howard High School 
 
Press McCallum, Friend-Church member 
 
Lighting the Candle of Remembrance 
 
Mrs. Yvonne Ragsdale, Wife Children and Step-Children Michelle Rouse Valerie Ragsdale Renard Ragsdale Eric Clark Tara Brown 
Ashlee Rouse, Granddaughter Danielle Clark, Granddaughter 
Myles Brown, Grandson 
 
Celebration in Song 
 
"Holy Ground" 
 
Chancel Choir 
 
Theological Reflections 
 
Reverend Walter L. Kimbrough 
 
Musical Reflections 
 
Luther Washington, Organist "Soon-A Will Be Done" "Ole Time Religion" 
"It is Well With My Soul" 
 
Acknowledgements 
 
Reverend Walter L. Kimbrough 
 
Recessional 
 
"Going Up Yonder" Luther Washington, Organist 
 
   I'd like the memory ofme To be a happy one. 
I'd like to leave an afterglow Ofsmiles when life is done. 
I'd like to leave an echo Whispering softly down the ways Ofhappy times and laughing times 
And bright and sunny days. I'd like the tears ofthose who grieve 
To dry before the sun Ofhappy memories that I leave 
When life is done. 
-Carol Mirkel 
 
 Pa[[bearers 
Men's Usher Board Cascade United Methodist Church 
:Jfower Ladies 
Women's Usher Board Cascade United Methodist Church 
.9lc/(nowfetfgement 
The family of Mr. Raymond Ragsdale acknowledges, with warm and grateful appreciation, the many courtesies extended and expressions of kindness and sympathy shown during this time of bereavement. May God richly bless each of you. 
Interment 
Westview Cemetery 1680 Westview Drive 
Atlanta, Georgia 
 
1876 Secom..!\venue 1Jecatur, (jeorgia 404 -371 -0772 
 
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