Obituary of Bobby Jack Ragland

Bobby Jack Ragland November 05, 1931 - March 08, 2018 Memorial services for Bobby Jack Ragland, 86, of Lovington, NM will be held on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at 10:00 am at First Baptist Church with Pastor Glenn Pipes officiating. Bobby was born on November 5, 1931 in Desdemona, TX to Clarence Earl and Gussie Mae (Hightower) Ragland and passed away at his residence on March 8, 2018. Arrangements are under the direction of Kirby-Smith-Rogers Funeral Home. He grew up in Desdemona, TX, attending school there and in Gorman until he dropped out to join the US Army. He served in Germany during the Korean Conflict and after his tour of duty he returned to Texas. On June 4, 1955 he married his life mate and love, Mary Madelle Lee in Desdemona, TX. They shared forty five years of life and love. He moved his family to Lovington in 1968 and became a part of the community. Bobby was ordained as a deacon of First Baptist Church and was a faithful and active member for many years. In 2005 he moved his membership to Trinity Baptist Church. He was employed by Unical for over thirty five years as a pumper. He enjoyed hunting and square dancing in younger years. In more recent times he liked picking up and shelling pecans and woodworking. He made the circuit dancing all over Lea County and into Texas and loved going where ever one was being held. He enjoyed being a “flirt” with the ladies and especially the LCEC ladies, who always gave him hugs. It was well known that if Bobby didn’t “pick on you”, he didn’t like you. He was the epitome of a devoted family man, taking time and giving love to his parents, his wife and his children. His joy in life was working and his “family”. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary; three brothers: Elwood, Dorwood and Dean. Surviving him are his children: Judy and husband Jimmie Reynolds of Lovington, Don and wife Kathy Ragland of Wellman, TX, James and wife Vicki Ragland of Dexter, NM and Ron and wife Sherry Ragland of Midland, TX; fifteen grandchildren and twenty seven great-grandchildren and a host of friends.