James W Ragar

James W. Ragar, 75, of Crossett, passed away Sunday, July 23, 2017, at the Ashley County Medical Center.  He was born in Warren, Arkansas on May 5, 1942, to his parents, James Berry, and Margarite Galloway Ragar.  After completing high school, James enlisted in the United States Army where he was trained in satellite communications and stationed in Okinawa, Japan.  Upon discharge from the service, he returned to the states and eventually met and married his wife, Brenda.  They made their home in Crossett where he worked for many years as a supervisor for Robinson Contracting and was a member of the First Assembly of God Church.   He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and morning trips to Andy’s Restaurant visiting with his coffee drinking buddies.   James was a “no frills” kind of guy who would always tell you like it was and was loved and respected by many for doing just that.  He was a good, loving husband and “Papaw” who adored his grandchildren and cherished every moment with them.

He is preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Juanita Ragar, and Patty Owens; and one grandson, Dustin Reed.

He is survived by his wife of thirty-nine years, Brenda Ragar of Crossett; three sons, Sam Ragar and wife, Melissa of Nashville, AR, Mike Hartness and wife, Teresia of Crossett, and Matt Hartness of Little Rock; three daughters, Jamie Dowdy and husband, Mark, and Dee Garner and husband, Jerrel, both of Nashville, AR, and Missy Dumas and husband, John of Crossett; two brothers, Mike Ragar of Garden Grove, CA, and Joe Ragar of Monroe, LA; two sisters, Brenda Drake of Warren, and Ann Rowell and husband, Ray of Mobile, AL; twelve grandchildren, Brandon Hartness and wife, Courtney, Jenna, Hannah, and Kelsey Dumas, Christian, Danielle, and Anna Hartness, Stephen and Josh Robbins, Christopher Carroll, and Ella and Ava Ragar; along with one great- grandson, Colby Hartness.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 26th at the First Assembly of God Church, 1500 Parkway Drive, Crossett with Pastors Justin Usselton and Kenneth Neal officiating, followed by an interment at Crossroads Cemetery under the direction of Medders Funeral Home.  Pallbearers are Tim Ballard, Danny Kimbrell, Mike Lonsberry, Clifton Poole, Rex Grant, and Billy Joe Harrington.  Honorary Pallbearers are Bennie Cochran, Tracy Gray, Allen Jackson, and Jessie Walthall.

Visitation will be from 5-7:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 25th at Medders Funeral Home, 1564 Hwy 52 W, in North Crossett.

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