Mr. George Alexander Ragans, Jr. 78, of Sneads passed away Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017, peacefully in his home.
Delivered by his grandfather, J.P. Kinsey, Ragans began his life in Pinetta. He grew up in Madison, where he graduated from Madison High School. After serving in the United States Air Force, he returned home and married Ann Cone, sharing 54 years of marriage with his beloved and devoted wife. George then settled into a career of over 34 years with the Florida Department of Corrections beginning in Raiford as one of the original shotgun squad members at Florida State Prison. Working through the ranks, George earned an Associates Degree from Lake City Community College and his Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from the Florida State University. One highlight in his career was breaking ground and overseeing construction of Liberty Correctional Institution, the fastest built institution in Florida, where he served as Warden. Ragans retired as Warden of Calhoun Correctional Institution in 1996. George cherished his family and could be routinely seen supporting them from the classrooms to the ballfields, dance competitions, and the volleyball courts. He was a longtime member of Sneads First United Methodist Church where he served as a trustee, board member, and Chairman of the Pastor Parish Relations Committee. He was also a member of the Morocco Shriners and the Greenville Masonic Lodge.
Ragans, Jr. was preceded in death by his parents, George and Frances; and great grandson, Jon Ryan Beauchamp.
Survivors include his wife, Ann; children, Georgia Arnold (Kevin) Kathy Sneads (Charles); Robert Ragans (Monica); eight grandchildren: Wiley Beauchamp (Meghan); Jon Beauchamp (Kendra); Jenna Sneads, Dustin Sneads, Kinsey Ragans, Chase Ragans, Brody Ragans and Mason Ragans; three great grandchildren: Fenton, Annabella and Bristol Beauchamp, all of Sneads, Fl.; and sister, June Ragans Wood of Tallahassee. George was also blessed with a multitude of nieces and nephews and many loving family and friends.
Funeral Services were held at 10 a.m., on Wednesday, Nov. 1 at Sneads First United Methodist Church with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing. Interment was at 2 p.m. at Evergreen Cemetery in Greenville. The family received friends one hour prior to funeral services at the church. Contributions may be made in memory of George to the First United Methodist Church in Sneads, Fl. or Emerald Coast Hospice Marianna, Fl.