William (Bill) Rivera Ragan

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband and father, William “Bill” Rivera Ragan, who left this world on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at the age of 85.

Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, and brother. He was born on January 28, 1938, in Tulsa, Oklahoma to his loving parents, Marshall and Carmen Ragan and grew up surrounded by the warmth of family.

Bill had a passion for music, art, and the great outdoors. Beginning in middle school and continuing on into his 80s, he sang in barbershop quartets, a locally popular band known as The Common Good in his 30s and 40s and was an active member in The Diamond State Chorus in Little Rock, Arkansas and, after moving to Texas in 2006, an enthusiastic member of the Men of Note Chorus in Plano, Texas for many years. In addition to singing, he was a talented guitarist and passed his love of music onto his children and grandchildren. Bill also loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, sailing, and camping in addition to traveling, spending time with family and friends, and playing Canasta. Bill never met a stranger and within a few minutes of meeting him, people felt his warmth and his genuine interest in getting to know them. He was a great storyteller and had a wonderful sense of humor which persisted even as his health was failing.

He was an artist and used his skill in many capacities throughout his various career endeavors. In his early years, he worked at North American Aviation in Tulsa, OK as a draftsman and subsequently worked for Glenn Pray as part of the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Automobile Company. This was followed by positions in the Promotions departments of two different television stations in Tulsa, Oklahoma and Little Rock, Arkansas. After this, he was a successful realtor and then transitioned into self-employment as a home builder and remodeler where he found fulfillment combining his creative talent with his love for connecting with and helping people. Bill was a hard worker and loved to stay busy, always looking ahead to the next project. He worked into his early 80s before stepping away from his business and setting his sights on refurbishing his beloved sailboat in hopes of returning it to the water in the company of his children.

Bill was an active member of several catholic churches over his lifetime. He and his wife Jo Lynne attended Christ the King Catholic Church in Little Rock, Arkansas and participated in numerous mission trips to Honduras during their time there. Bill was able to use his fluent Spanish and building skills to impact the community of Trujillo in a meaningful way and in the development of lasting personal relationships with many of the people there. After moving to Dallas in 2006, Bill and Jo Lynne joined St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church where Bill has served as a faithful usher for many years.

Bill is survived by his cherished wife, Jo Lynne, with whom he shared 29 years of love and companionship. He leaves behind a legacy of love through his children and grandchildren including son Chris Ragan and wife Lucretia, their children Dylan and Madison, and their precious granddaughter Parker; daughter Stephanie Ragan Goeters and her husband Chris with children Joshua and Evan; son Jeff Ragan and wife Christina with Jeff’s children Nicholas and Sydney, and stepdaughter Leslie Garner with husband Garrett and children Bryan, Olivia, and Reese. Bill also leaves behind the mother of his adult children, Fran Ragan, and several dear friends, many of whom he had known since childhood, including Charles “Chuck” Fornier, whom Bill considered the “brother” he never had. Bill was preceded in death by his loving sister, Jo Hodgson, who passed away in 2020, and his wonderful parents, Marshall and Carmen Ragan.

Bill's departure leaves a void that can never be filled, but his spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of the many people who were fortunate enough to know him. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his memory be a source of comfort and strength in the days ahead to all who loved him.

A memorial service to celebrate Bill's life will be held 11:00 a.m., Thursday, January 11, 2024, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church 2700 W Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano, Texas with a reception to follow in the parish hall.

Bill will be laid to rest at St. Joseph's Catholic Church Columbarium.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bill’s honor to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Building Fund or a charity of your choice.