 PRINCETON — David L. Ragan, Jr., 58, of 39 Holly Hill Rd.
in Princeton died Monday, October 26, 2009, at his residence. Born in McComas, W.Va. September 2, 1951, he was the son of David L. Ragan, Sr. of
Kegley and the late Janet Moses Ragan. He was a retired professional
pilot, last serving as chief pilot for Marshall Miller Associates in
Bluefield. David also served as chief pilot for Paper Supply Co. for
several years. He was a graduate of Bramwell High School and Bluefield
State College in civil engineering. In a life filled with wonderful
experiences, David flew all over the United States, served as a bridge
inspector for the WV Department of Highways and as a trained paramedic
served in the Princeton Rescue Squad, OH-9 Ambulance service and in the
Emergency Room of Princeton Community Hospital. He was an avid hunter and
fisherman and a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. David
never met a stranger. Everyone he met developed a great admiration for
him. He has many friends and supporters who are both proud and amazed at
the great courage he displayed during his battle with Lou Gehrig's Disease
(ALS). He leaves to cherish his memory a wonderful family and extended
family that cared for him to the end. Survivors in addition to his father
are his wife, Deborah "Debbie" Coppola Ragan of Princeton; one son, David
Lee Ragan and his wife Hope of Winston-Salem, N.C.; stepson, Logan Joseph
Ascue of Princeton; three grandsons, Dillon Lee Ragan, Morgan Wayne Ragan
and Barron Thomas; two sisters, Karen DeHart and her husband Mike and Pam
Arrington and her husband Leslie, all of Kegley; mother-in-law, Louise
Coppola of Maybeury; sisters and brothers-in law, Mary Jackson, Vickie and
Rick Bailey, Lisa and David Tessa, Augie and Patrella Coppola and David
Eugene and Sheree Coppola; several nieces and nephews; special caregiver
and friend, Betty Snider; loyal dog and companion, Ariel; best friends and
fellow hunters, Danny Hurley and Donnie White; special friends, Fred
Toney, Phyllis and Mac Howell, Teresa Riley, Roger Estep, Glenna Curran
and the many friends and co-workers at Princeton Community Hospital. In
keeping with his wishes the body has been cremated. A memorial service to
celebrate the life of David will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. tonight,
Thursday, October 29, 2009 at the George W. Seaver Chapel of Seaver
Funeral Home in Princeton with Minister Fred Toney as eulogist and Mike
McClure and David Eugene Coppola as speakers. Friends may call at Seaver
Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. to the service hour. Memorial contributions
may be made to the A.L.S. Western Pennsylvania Chapter, 416 Lincoln Ave.,
Pittsburgh, PA 15209. Online condolences may be made at
www.seaverfuneralservice.net Seaver Funeral Home in Princeton is
serving the Ragan family. |