The population of Heaven increased by one with the arrival of Dr. Gary R. Ragsdale who left Earth on Saturday October 14th.  Gary was born on December 11th in 1942, as the noon whistle blew, in Pecos, TX. He was a true Texan by soul and actions, who since in early childhood enjoyed all outdoor activities and recreation, specifically hunting and fishing and later in life, ranching and raising cattle. Gary is a graduate of Hamilton High School (1961)   and Abilene Christian College. Gary's professional career began right after he graduated from Arizona State University, with a PhD in Business Administration and an Ed.D. in Education. On his way back home to Hamilton, he passed by a recently built college, Central Texas College.  With the ink still fresh on his diplomas, he decided to stop by and see if he could apply for a position. After seeing the strapping, no nonsense type of person he was, he was hired on the spot. He went on to start the CTC Office Administration Department, a position he held for the next 27 years. During those years in his free time, he began to accumulate and start several businesses including three mobile home parks, new housing construction, and Topsy Road Mercantile Store.

Gary was a member and former member of several civic organizations in Central Texas; including Lion's Club in Copperas Cove, which he held the Presidency for one term.

After he retired from the college, Gary married the love of his life, Elnora Tullos Boggan, and the two lovebirds began a life of traveling, going on multiple cruises, visiting nearby and far off casinos, theaters and reunions with his many old friends. Gary Ragsdale did not ever meet a person who did not like him right away and he will be fondly remembered by his family and friends.

Dr. Ragsdale is preceded by his parents Ray and Bobbie Nell Ragsdale.  He survived by his wife Elnora, brother Scott Ragsdale and wife Paula of Wimberly, TX, sister Ruthy Ragsdale Pirkle and husband Dr. Carter Pirkle of Iowa Park, TX, son Russell Kendrick and wife Josie of Austin.  His surviving grandchildren are Lauryn, Mason and Olivia Kendrick of Austin.   He also leaves behind his beautiful niece, Little Bobbie aka Bobbie Grace Ragsdale of Austin, cousins Robert Wayne Ragsdale, wife Norma Sue of Sapulpa, OK, Silas Ragsdale of Seymor, TX and Maudie Pearl Ragsdale Monrow and husband W. C. of Crawford, TX. Elnora's family 'adopted' him as their own.  Surviving members are Billy Tullos, wife Carolyn of Ace, TX, Leon Tullos, wife Pat of Ace, TX, sister-in-law Sally Richter Tullos, Ace, TX, Richard Tullos, wife Joyce, Ace, TX,  Murielene Tullos Hatton, husband Jerry of Warren, TX, Jerry Tullos and wife Susan of Livingston, TX, Debra Tullos Wood and husband Ronnie of Livingston, TX, and Margaret Tullos Pixley and husband Bryant of Ace, TX.  Also surviving Gary are his many nieces and nephews, including several great nieces and nephews.  Last but not least, surviving Gary is his best friend from 1972, Tony Barrio of Lampasas, TX

There is no question that the Great Architect of the universe embraced him and took him in His Kingdom.

Life celebrations to be observed at Tullos Hill Memorial Gardens, Ace, TX, Oct. 28 at 1:00 pm and at Putters & Gutters, Lampasas, TX, Nov. 4 at 1:30 pm.