Edward Ragsdale

Edward RagsdaleSeneca

 Edward Vernon Ragsdale, Sr., 95, passed away Saturday September 24, 2016 in Marietta, Georgia, where he and his wife had just moved to be near their family.  They were by his side when he passed peacefully. He was the son of the late Claude Hunter Ragsdale, Sr. and Alice Coward Ragsdale of Blair, South Carolina.He attended Clemson College, graduating in 1943.  After graduating, he married his devoted wife, Antoinette Sease Ragsdale.  They were married for 73 years.  He entered the military shortly thereafter and served with the 40th Infantry Division and fought in the Philippines, achieving the rank of First Lieutenant.  He received the Bronze Star and other metals.After his discharge in 1946, Vernon and Antoinette settled in Winnsboro, South Carolina, where he was an assistant county agent and later he was a sales representative for Giant Portland Cement in Orangeburg for 27 years. At his retirement in 1983, they moved to Seneca so they could attend the sporting events at Clemson.  He loved Clemson and the Tigers and credited Clemson with what he accomplished in life.He was the last surviving member of his family.  He was predeceased by three brothers; John K. Ragsdale, James W. Ragsdale, Claude Ragsdale Jr., and four sisters; Virginia R. Davis, Beverley R. Rice, Helen R. Counts and Marjorie R. Weaks.He is survived by his wife; a son, Edward V. Ragsdale, Jr. and his wife, Florence; his granddaughters, Erica Ragsdale D'Eramo and husband Tony and Sarah Ragsdale; his great granddaughters, Taylor and Lilah D'Eramo; and a number of nieces and nephews.He was very much loved by his family and all those who knew him and he loved them.  He was a very humble person, loved his church, and the Gurney Reid Sunday School Class. The visitation will be at his church, St. Mark United Methodist at 10 am on Wednesday September 28th. The service will follow at 11 am. He will be entombed at Oconee Memorial Park in the Mausoleum. Memorials may be made to St. Mark United Methodist Church, 616 Quincy Road, Seneca, S.C. 29678 or Clemson University Class of 1943 or a cause of your choice.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, Central, which is assisting the family.