George Everett Ragland's Obituary
George Everett Ragland, 83, of St. Petersburg and Ft. Myers, FL, passed away peacefully on Feb. 25.?á He was originally from Memphis, TN, where he worked a variety of jobs, began his service in the Air Force, earned his Bachelor?ÇÖs Degree from Memphis State University, and launched his 35 year career with Prentice-Hall Publishing.?á He moved his family to St. Petersburg, FL, in 1966 after being transferred as a two year college sales representative.?á He was later promoted to Regional Manager of the Southeast Two Year College Division, and eventually to Assistant Vice President of Prentice-Hall, Inc.?á His wife of over 38 years, Mae, was an ovarian cancer survivor, but eventually diagnosed with leukemia and passed away in 1989.?á George was a very gracious and loving caretaker during this difficult time.?á While traveling on business, and through a friend?ÇÖs urging, he met Barbara Thomas, of Carrollton, GA in 1990.?á They married in 1993.?á He retired in 1994, at which time he and Barbara began a full time Christian ministry, Wings of Victory International.?á Through this ministry, they have provided ongoing support to feed hundreds of children in Honduras and Haiti, established and supported a medical clinic in Haiti, and provided funds to assist a variety of ministries around the world.?á They have personally extended the love of Jesus Christ and healing in his name to thousands of people in thirty-six countries and five continents. George will be greatly missed by his family and friends, but we are rejoicing as he is forever in the presence of God.?á He is survived by his wife, Barbara; a sister, Katherine Jolly of Atoka, TN; five children: Debbie James (Christopher) of Challis, ID, Michael Ragland (Felicia) of St. Petersburg, FL, Gigi Gutherie (Sparky) of China Grove, NC, Tracy Korb (Don) of St. Petersburg, FL and George Everett Ragland, Jr., of Tampa, FL; 7 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren.?á He is also survived by Barbara?ÇÖs four children: Gail Floyd (Millard) of Newman, GA, Patti Hernly (Philip) of Temple, GA, Jeanine Brawn (Curt) of Sarasota, FL and Evan Daniell (Avis) of Ft. Myers, FL; 10 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. There will be a memorial service on Saturday, March 3 at 4:00 PM at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home in Ft. Myers, FL.?á Friends will be received from 3 PM until the time of the service.?á An additional Celebration of Life/memorial service will be held at Pasadena Presbyterian Church in St. Petersburg, FL in March or April.?á The date is yet to be determined. In lieu of Flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wings of Victory International, 3468 East Riverside Dr., Fort Myers, FL 33916-1116.?á Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 1589 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33907, 239-936-0555.?á Online condolences may be made at: www.fortmyersmemorial.com.
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