Frederick James Ragland's Obituary
Fred was born and raised on the east side of Tacoma, Washington and was the youngest son Robert and Cathern Ragland, now deceased. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1965 where he excelled in football playing the fullback position. Soon after graduation, Fred was drafted into the Army and completed his basic training at Fort Lewis before leaving to Fort Polk, Louisiana. Then he went on to AIT in Fort Benning, Georgia to become a Sergeant. Sgt. Ragland then served in Vietnam where he earned two Purple Hearts. He was known as "Rags" and was well respected by his platoon. No one could keep up with him when he ran point and was currently in touch with many of the these guys and would try to attend their yearly reunions.
Returning from Vietnam with shrapnel in him, he went to work as a crane operator at Kaiser Aluminum and then Atlas Foundry. Unknown to him, Agent Orange was taking it's toll and his health began to steadily decline. Fred fought the good fight and lived his life on his terms all the way to the end. Diabetes was his worst enemy and caused him to have many bouts where he had to fight to return to life. He had triple bypass heart surgery, stroke and then a coma. He was hospitalized numerous times for life threatening heart rate, infections, a broken femur and also the amputation of his left leg.
None of these things kept him from living his life. Traveling the country was his love and he always enjoyed getting in the car and go anywhere. Even being in a wheelchair didn't stop him. He would always take trips around the neighborhood to make sure he didn't miss anything. Remember, it was on his terms. He didn't like to be told "No" and would do anything he could to make it a "Yes" even if it was not the best choice for him. He would hide his bags of candy that would be a complete surprise to him when he was confronted and wouldn't say a word when he discovered they were gone, he would just take another trip around the block.
Fred was a happy guy with a big smile always on his face and would rarely complain about anything. He accepted the world he lived in and enjoyed everyday.
Fred's surviving family include his wife June Ragland (was June Daugherty) his children; Katrina Addison (Alvin), Darius Ragland (Lori), Ebony Woods, Matt Daugherty (Angela), Zavara Woods, Phillip Woods and Daniel Smith (Lindsey). Also surviving are his brother, Robert Ragland (Evelyn) Aunts and Uncles, Willie Mae "Judy", Rosa, Betty, Willie James "Bud" and wife Kathy, Virginia "Jenette", Martha "Mot" and Mary "Squirt". He is also survived by eight grandchildren and numerous cousins.
Visitation will be Friday 11am to 8pm at the main office building of Mountain View Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be Saturday November 7, 2015 12:00 Noon at the Mountain View Celebration of Life Center Aspen Chapel with U.S. Army Honors at graveside immediately following. A reception will then follow the graveside at the Gathering Church 4012 East Portland Ave Tacoma.
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