John Ragsdale

Born in Nashville, Tennessee on March 24, 1943

Departed on March 2, 2019 and resided in Nashville, Tennessee

John L. Ragsdale,75, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2018, at Richland NHC Nursing Home.

Preceded in death by his parents, John D. Ragsdale and Rose C. Ragsdale; his sister Frances Ragsdale King and brother-in-law Joseph Martina.

John is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary Jane Ragsdale; two sons and their wives, Adam and Hollie Ragsdale and Nick and Jennifer Ragsdale; seven grandchildren, Ryan and Allie Ragsdale, Collin, Graham, Reid, Blake and Hope Ragsdale; one sister, Carmen Ragsdale Martina as well as four nieces and two nephews.

John attended Cohn High School and remained involved with their alumni association. While a student there he excelled in basketball, football and was awarded the senior superlative for best personality. John devoted his life to public service. He served in the National Guard and was Assistant Chief of the Nashville Fire Department.

He was a lifelong member of St. Ann Catholic Church.

A wake will take place from 9-11 at St. Ann Catholic Church, 5101 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN. A funeral Mass will follow the wake at 11. Father Mark Sappenfield will preside as the celebrant. Interment will take place at Harpeth Memorial Gardens 9090 TN Hwy 100, Nashville. John's long service to the Metro Nashville Fire Department will be commemorated with a full Honor Guard at the wake and a final ride on a Seagrove class fire engine to the grave site.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cohn Alumni Association, attention Judith Redmond. 4805 Park Avenue, Nashville, TN 37209.