Harvey Russell Ragan

A bright shining light went out fast on this earth. Now, it will be glowing from the heavens. Harvey Russell Ragan of Dothan, Ala., died Thursday, July 26, 2007, in an airplane crash near Campbellton, Fla. He was 47. Funeral services were held 2 p.m. Sunday, July 29, 2007, at Byrd Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Bob Gross and the Rev. Van Gauthe officiating. Interment was in Blakely Cemetery in Blakely, Ga., with Byrd Funeral Home directing. Russell was born Feb. 17, 1960 in Donalsonville, Ga., to Holland Eugene Ragan and Marilyn Middleton Ragan. He graduated from Ashford High School in 1978 and from Troy State University with a bachelors degree in broadcast journalism. Russell was a successful exhibitor of 4-H calves. One year he won grand champion of the Houston County Show and Reserve champion of the Tri-States. Following in his fathers footsteps, Russell became a radio farm broadcaster. He took great pride in continuing this family business of over 40 years. Many people listened to him on radio early in the morning for his "Ragan Farm Report." He also had assisted his father with his farm TV shows. Russell attended Calvary Baptist Church. He was a strong Christian and wanted others to be too. There is no doubt that the Lord has welcomed him to heaven. Russell Ragan said flying up in the sky was like being in heaven. He found peace among the clouds. With hardly any traffic in the air, he felt safer and liked traveling faster. He was happier when he flew. Russells many friends were precious to him, also. Boat trips on the river and lake with them were many, as well as their flights together. One could count on having fun when Russell was around. He was a "cherrer-upper," also. Russell was preceded in death by his grandparents, Russell and Leila Ragan and Harvey and Wilma Middleton. Survivors include his parents, Gene and Marilyn Ragan of Dothan; a daughter and son-in-law, Kara Youngblood and her husband, Taylor, of Riverside, Ala.; two grandsons, Grant and Jack Youngblood of Riverside, Ala.; one brother, Middleton Ragan of Dothan; two uncles, Billy Ragan of Cuthbert, Ga., and Rhodes Ragan of Albany, Ga. Active pallbearers will be cousins, Rand Ragan, Dr. Eric Ragan, Tyrone Ragan, Beau Middleton, Mike Ragan and his friend, Bill Quarles. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Singles Again Adult Three Sunday School Class at Calvary Baptist Church. Byrd Funeral Home, (334) 793-3003, is in charge of arrangements.