Robert "Bob" Wayne Ragan

January 03, 1939 - October 24, 2009

Robert "Bob" Wayne Ragan Obituary (Age 70) Passed away at home on October 24, 2009. Bob was born on January 3, 1939, in Bogota, Tennessee, the son of Albert and Opal Fay (Sutton) Ragan. He often spoke of his family and the wonderful childhood he had growing up. Bob Graduated from Southside High School in Jackson, Tennessee in 1958, and then while walking downtown with a friend, just on the spur of the moment decided to join the military. Since the Army recruiter was first, they joined the Army on the buddy system, so on the 29th of May 1958 Bob became a member of the United States Army. After boot camp, he received training as a combat engineer/ camouflage specialist/ painter. He was sent to Germany where he worked on the Atomic Cannon team; he said the unit name was "The Seven Steps to Hell" and that he was very proud to be a part of it. "Seven Steps to Hell" is an unofficial tab {used in Germany as a "badge of honor"} under the 7th's "Pyramid of Power" patch. The 7th Army's Headquarters is still located at Stuffgart-Vaihingen, Germany. He returned and married Ruby Duncan and they had a daughter Elizabeth. Later he married Lona McCain. Lona had three children, David, John, and Timothy, who Bob adopted, and they had a son Richard from their union. Bob retired at almost 21 years as a Medical Administration Supervisor at Fairchild Air Force Base. Bob then went to work for the Civil Engineers at Fairchild AFB until he had a medical retirement. He then went to college at Spokane Community College and got a degree in watch repair, something he enjoyed doing, but his eyes weren't up to the challenge. The last 15 years he has enjoyed traveling with his brother, seeing the country and going to casinos where he made many friends over the years. Robert was also a hunter who loved being in the woods, but his true passion in life was fishing. There was never a bad day for fishing. Other hobbies included playing cards, he loved cribbage and poker. He was a terrific gardener, with such a green thumb, he could make things grow when no one else could. Bob was a member of the Marshall Community Church for many years when he lived in Medical Lake, and taught Sunday School there in the 70s and 80s. As of late, he had been attending Christ Lutheran Church in Spokane Valley and visiting other churches. He was a devoted Christian and was a member of three televised ministries that he supported and got his support from. He is survived by his sister Maggie Nix; brothers Richard and David of Jackson, TN and various other relatives. Bob was preceded in death by both of his parents in 1974, and also his brother Roger and his sister Shirley. For many years from the 70s to the day he died, Bob had been both an inpatient and outpatient of the Spokane Veterans Medical Center. He wanted to thank the hundreds of wonderful doctors, nurses, caregivers and others who took care of him over the years. They made him feel welcomed in his hour of need. He was always treated with the greatest of care and compassion. He said the VA Hospital was his "Cheers," where everyone knew "Sweet Old Bob". He is now with the angels but will never be forgotten. A Memorial Service celebrating Bob's life will be Friday, November 13 at Heritage Chapel at 2:00 PM.