Obituary: Bobbie Sue Walker Ragan

Bobbie Sue Walker Ragan went to be with The Lord from Methodist Medical Center on April 17, 2014. Having only recently moved to Oak Ridge to be near her children, she passed peacefully surrounded by her family.

Ms. Ragan was born on Nov. 4, 1928, in Morganton, N.C. She was the daughter of Wade and Sarah Walker and was married for more than four decades to J.D. Ragan, all of whom preceded her in death. Additionally, nine adult brothers and sisters also preceded her in death, along with one grandson, Lt. Weston Kissel of Minot Air Force Base, N.D.

She is survived by one brother, Wade H. Walker, Jr., of Merritt Island, Fla.; her son and daughter-in-law, John and Liz Ragan of Oak Ridge.; her daughter, Karen Ragan of Knoxville, her daughter and son-in-law, Cynthia and Will Kissel of Manchester, Tenn.; granddaughters, Amanda Ragan of Oak Ridge, and Ragan Osborne and her husband Jon, of Estill Springs, Tenn.; her grandson, Maj. Patrick Ragan and his wife Rachael of Las Vegas, Nev.; and a great-granddaughter, Rowan Ragan, also of Las Vegas, Nev. In addition to her immediate family, she is survived by dozens of nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews living all over the nation.

Ms. Ragan was an alumna of Appalachian State University with both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Among her professional accomplishments were small business owner, professor of accounting, and hospital business administrator. Additionally, for most of her life, she was active in many Burke County and Morganton community activities.

She spent 70 of her 85 years on this earth as an active member of South Mountain Baptist Church in Morganton. N.C. Her service in this church encompassed many positions starting with the church pianist at age 15. She also served as Sunday school teacher, church trustee, treasurer, WMU leader and many other duties over the decades. She was the last remaining charter member of South Mountain Baptist Church. However, the status of which she was most proud was that of a strong Christian.

The family will receive friends in the Fellowship Hall at South Mountain Baptist Church in Morganton, N.C., on May 3 from 1 to 4 p.m., and a memorial service will follow in the church sanctuary at 5 p.m. At Bobbie’s request, in lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made in her name to the Walker Top Baptist Church Historic Preservation Fund, c/o Mr. Mark Walker, 1156 Mountain Breeze Drive, Morganton, NC 28655.