Billy Alfred Ragan, 75, a loving, devoted, and beloved husband, dad, grandpa, and father-in-law and faithful Christian passed away unexpectedly on January 24, 2026, at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital and went to be with his Lord and Savior. He was a wonderful person who was a blessing to his family and community and will be deeply missed. He was born to Robert Ford Ragan and Ruby McNeil Ragan in Boone, North Carolina on September 24, 1950, and lived in the Rich Mountain Community of Watauga County.

Bill attended Green Valley Elementary School, Appalachian High School, and Watauga High School. After graduating, he proudly served in the United States Army. After his military service, he attended Appalachian State University where he met his beloved wife, Rita Jackson Ragan, and he later attended Caldwell Community College. They settled in his home community where they raised their two cherished daughters. Bill worked as a purchasing agent at Watauga Medical Center and later as the Director of Procurement at Appalachian State University.

After his time working at Appalachian State University, he enjoyed spending more time at home with his wife, daughters, son-in-law, and four grandchildren who he adored. Bill treasured his family. He was a true family man and an amazing and beloved husband, dad, father-in-law, and grandpa. He was so proud of his wife, children, son-in-law, and his precious grandchildren and devoted so much time, attention, and love to each of them. He loved, provided for, and supported his family unconditionally and appreciated and encouraged their individual talents and interests- supporting them at all of their activities from school and athletic events to band concerts and dance recitals and everything else. He was a blessing to his family and will continue to be a blessing in spirit and influence and is forever cherished and loved.

Bill was a faithful, devout Christian. He attended Rich Mountain Baptist Church and loved being a Sunday school teacher. He wrote the following in his lesson notes to share in his last Sunday School lesson, "The three acts of healing that Jesus performed illustrates the miraculous power that Jesus was given and sets an example for everyone to love and show kindness to everyone- not just a select few." His faith influenced his whole life, and he truly believed in being kindhearted and helping others and practiced that in his daily life. He would take the time to talk to people and really listen to them and help them whenever he could.

He valued education, knowledge, and being informed. He enjoyed reading and learning new things. He encouraged his children and grandchildren to be sure to learn something new every day and worked with them and taught them so much. He also thoroughly enjoyed playing and watching sports- especially when his children and grandchildren were participating. Bill loved being outside and working on the land, walking and enjoying nature, farming, and growing a nurtured garden and the most beautiful rows of dahlias each summer. He had a tremendous work ethic in all areas of his life.

Bill lived a life marked by being kind, humility, hard work, gratitude, and faith. He was a loving and beloved husband, dad, grandpa, and friend, and he had a positive impact on the countless lives he touched through simple acts of goodness. His presence brought warmth, comfort, and reassurance to all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and is forever loved.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Rita Jackson Ragan; two daughters, Sarah Ragan of Boone and Laura Ragan Gordon and husband Noah of Boone; four grandchildren, Jaden McInnis of Boone and Noah Gordon II, Ragan Gordon, and Ember Gordon of Boone; sister, Joyce Beach of Boone; sister-in-law Beverly Arender and husband Ken of Winston-Salem; brothers-in-law Tom Graybeal of Boone and Mark Jackson and wife Denise of Thomasville; numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Bill was also preceded in death by his brother, Robert Ragan, and sister, Loyce Graybeal.

Funeral services for Billy Alfred Ragan will be conducted 11:00 AM Friday, January 30, 2026, at Rich Mountain Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Culler Cemetery. Reverend Darrell Graybeal will officiate.

The family will receive friends Thursday January 29, 2026, from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel.

Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.