Benny Ragsdale

Obituary for Sergeant Major Benny B Ragsdale

Sergeant Major Benny B Ragsdale, 91 of Longview,
transitioned peacefully at his home on September 26,
2021. SGM Ragsdale was born on August 31, 1930, to
Idelle Caraway (King) and Booker T. Ragsdale in
Longview, Texas. In his younger years, SGM Ragsdale
grew up in South Longview and attended Longview
Negro High School.
SGM Ragsdale leaves to cherish his memory his beloved
wife of 61 years, Chiyoko Ragsdale of Longview, his only
child, Vickie Welch (WA), granddaughter Symia Stigler
and her husband Tracy Stigler and great- grandchildren
Lia and Christian (CA), his dear Aunt Doris Shandy,
(Longview) and Cousin Lavon Patillo-Daniels (Longview),
and a host of cousins, other relatives, friends, and
neighbors.
Honorably discharged from the U. S. Army on September
1, 1977, SGM Ragsdale was very proud of his 30 years
military service to his country. He received several
awards and recognitions including: two Oak Leaf
Clusters-for Meritorious Service, February 1966 –
February 1969 and for Meritorious Service in the
Republic of Vietnam during the period September 1969 –
March 1970, and The Legion of Merit, awarded August 1,
1977.

SGM Ragsdale’s other interests included fishing on his
boat at Lake of the Pines, bowling with his Post Tuesday
Night HDCP group, and gardening. He grew beautiful
vegetables and for several years shared them with
community members.
At SGM Ragsdale’s request, no memorial service will be
held. Cremation arrangements under the direction of
Citizen Funeral Home of Longview.