Ronnie Odell Ragan, 73, of McAlester, took his heavenly flight on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his family.  The family will greet family and friends on Thursday, Nov. 21, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Brumley-Mills Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be held at First Free Will Baptist Church of McAlester, at 10:00 a.m., Friday, Nov. 22, with Pastor Steve Mayhew officiating.  Burial will follow at Tannehill Cemetery.  Pallbearers include J. W. Ragan,
Bryce Ragan, Stanton Chase, Stoney Ragan, Chase Kennedy, Westy Bernhardt, and Jeffrey Smith.  Honorary pallbearers are Louie Lyles, Jack Mouser, Danny McAfee, Ralph Jernigen, Benny Williams, and Heath Curley.

Ronnie Ragan was born in McAlester on Oct. 2, 1951 to Howard "Sam" and Wanda (Shipley) Ragan.  He attended Indianola School and graduated in 1970.  He joined the Oklahoma National Guard and served for 4 years.  He received his Associate Degree in Agriculture from Eastern Oklahoma State College.  He and Pamela Bernhardt were married on Nov. 13, 1971 in McAlester.  Ronnie worked as a driver for UPS for 31 years, retiring in 2007.  He farmed and ranched his whole life. He was the kind of man that made a friend of everyone he met, but his best times were spending time with his family.  He was a long-time member of the First Free Will Baptist Church of McAlester.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his dad, Howard "Sam" Ragan; and his grandparents, Roy, Sr. and Gertie Ragan, and W. A. and Dolly Shipley.  He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Pam Ragan; sons, Justin Ragan and wife Angel, Shane Ragan and wife Wendy; grandchildren, Lauri Chase and husband Stanton, J. W. Ragan, and Bryce Ragan; his mother, Wanda Ragan; brothers, Kenny Ragan and wife Susie, Rodney Ragan and wife Michelle; sisters, Dee Dee Ragan-Ross, Kathy Grimes and husband Les, and Dana Ragan; an aunt, Lorene "Corky" Schumacher; and several nieces and nephews.

Ronnie was loved by many and gave more than he was willing to receive.  What a legacy he leaves.