William Thomas Ragan

Life Member - US Army

William Thomas Ragan received God’s merciful and perfect healing on May 3, 2017. The story of Tom’s remarkable life began February 9, 1940 when he was born in Atlanta to Elbert Powell and Willie Rae Arnold Ragan. His father had left the rural life in the Waco community of Carroll County Georgia and found work with Western Union Telegraph Co. in Atlanta.

After high school, Tom pursued his college education at The University of Florida and attained his degree as a civil engineer. The Vietnam War had been escalating for some years and, like so many others, he answered the call to service in The United States Army. His tour of duty was as an aviator flying helicopter missions in the support of ground troops. As many of the war’s pilots returned home, they seemed a natural fit for the airlines who were expanding service in the states. Tom signed on with Eastern Airlines and spent his career with them. He possessed a strong work ethic and had a deep commitment to his family and community. Having some flexibility in his schedule as a pilot gave him time to be deeply involved in his community, his children’s school activities and his faith community.
Tom was president of The East Coweta High School Booster Club for many years and a member of the Senoia Optimist Club. He became a fixture in the community as a first responder for the Coweta Country Fire Department. Crossroads Church was a large component of Tom’s life and he faithfully served as an elder in the church. He also owned the local Crossroads Restaurant in Senoia. When flying passengers in a plane was no longer an option, Tom was content to ferry Coweta County school children as a bus driver for ten years. As the Bible notes, “Well-done, my good and faithful servant”.

In addition to his parents, Tom is preceded in death by his lovely daughter Jennifer Ragan and a brother Powell Ragan. He was a devoted husband to his wife Barbara Frith Ragan. He will be remembered as a loving, supportive and leader by example for his children Ricky (and Sharon) Ragan, Rob (and Sue) Ragan, Brian (and Donna) Ragan. Fortunate to call him “Papa” were his grandchildren Will Ragan and his fiancé Haleigh Herring, Lauren (and Ryan) Phillips, Lindsey Ragan, Matthew Ragan, Patrick Ragan and Shawn Ragan. His great grandson is Grayson Thomas Phillips. He was a loyal brother to Ed Ragan and Jerry Ragan and his wife Ann. Also surviving is his brother-in-law Herb (and Luci) Frith.

​Funeral arrangements are by McKoon Funeral Home at 38 Jackson Street in Newnan where the family will receive friends on Saturday evening between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Tom’s amazing life will be honored at a service to be held at Crossroads Church on Highway 16, Sunday, May 7, 2017 at 3:30 PM. The interment with appropriate military honors will follow at the Senoia City Cemetery. Those who wish to honor Tom’s life may do so by memorial contributions in his honor to his beloved Crossroads Church 2654 Highway 154 Newnan, GA 30265. Online condolences may be expressed at www.mckoon.com. McKoon Funeral Home 770-253-4580. 

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