JACK RAGLAND JR

PERRY – Jack Hutchens Ragland, Jr., 91, passed away at his home unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 5, 2022. A private Cryptside Service will be held in Perry Memorial Gardens where Jack will be entombed with his beloved wife, Gloria, his son, and his parents in the Good Shepherd Mausoleum. Rev. Tom Carruth will officiate. A Celebration of Life Reception will be held on Sunday, October 16, 2022, from 3:00 until 5:00 p.m. at Houston Lake Country Club where fond memories of Jack will be shared. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions to Community Foundation of Central Georgia, Houston County Fund, 577 Mulberry Street, Suite 1600, Macon, GA 31201, or Houston Healthcare Charitable Giving Fund, Perry Hospital, 1120 Morningside Drive, Perry, GA 31069. Jack was born in Newnan, Georgia, to the late Jack H. Ragland, Sr., and the late Elna Loftin Ragland. After graduating from Lanier High School in Macon, he enlisted in the military. Jack proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force as a Staff Sergeant and was stationed in Europe as an airplane mechanic. Upon his return from the military, he earned a Bachelor’s of Business Administration and a Master’s of Business Administration, both from the University of Georgia, where he was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity and the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. Jack soon received his CPA Certificate, and moved to Perry in 1961 as a partner with the CPA firm, Foucher, Allen, and Parker. He was a life member of The Georgia Society of CPAs. Jack was one of the founders of Macon Junior College where he served as Vice-President for Business Affairs. He showed great passion when laying the foundation for a higher education facility in Macon. He was an avid tennis player, and after operating the business office all day, would enjoy a game of tennis most days. After many years, the school became Macon State College, and eventually was merged with Middle Georgia College, becoming Middle Georgia State University that it is today. Jack served as Acting President one year and retired after thirty-one years of service. He was a member of the Rotary Club of Macon, a member and Past President of the Perry Kiwanis Club. He also served a term as President of the Perry Area Chamber of Commerce. Jack was a long-time member of Perry United Methodist Church and was on the Administrative Board. He was a member of The American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Jack’s community involvement continued after he retired. He served on the Systems Board of Directors for Houston Healthcare Complex, which managed Perry Hospital and Houston Medical Center, for many years and was Chairman of the Finance Committee for a term. Jack ‘s many business accomplishments pale in comparison to the support he always gave his family and the friendships he made. For many, many years, he enjoyed Houston Lake Country Club. With his wife working there for over twenty years, Jack spent a great deal of time there, and was eventually dubbed the “unofficial Mayor of Houston Lake.” After the loss of his beloved wife in 2014, Jack delighted in seeing all the men and lady golfers, staff, and friends at HLCC almost every day. He greeted all who entered with his debonair smile and wished them well on their way out. He was, in fact, a true Southern Gentleman. With his generous spirit, he gave to many charitable causes and was always willing to give what he had to help others. His daughter, Kim, and his grandchildren, Price and Paige, were special recipients of his deep love, devotion, generosity, and compassion. Jack was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Jack Hutchens “Jay” Ragland, III; and his beloved wife of fifty-eight years, Gloria Roberts Ragland. Left to cherish the memories they made with Jack are his loving and devoted daughter, Kim Ragland Wheeler of Hilton Head Island, SC; his treasured grandchildren who lovingly referred to him as “Papa Jack,” Price Wheeler (Aimee) of Ponte Vedra, FL, and Paige Wheeler Widener (Taylor) of Scottsdale, AZ; three great-grandchildren, Jack Wheeler, Jett Wheeler, and Jay Widener; his brother and sister-in-law, Joe and Linda Ragland; his cousin, Betty Ragland; and several nieces and nephews. Jack’s family is thankful for the friendships and many acts of kindness from all of the special people in his life including the administration, staff, and members of Houston Lake Country Club; Peggy Jerles and Billy Jerles; Todd Edenfield and Mark Blankenship; Jack’s caregivers, Veronica Hutchings and Jennifer Thompson; and Kindred Hospice. Condolences for the family may be left in the online guestbook at www.watsonhunt.com. Watson-Hunt Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Tributes

JACK RAGLAND JR

September 8, 1931 - October 5, 2022