Leona Marie Hill Ragland passed from this life July 19 at the age of 89. She was born to Ruth and Forrest Hill, the third of four children, on August 24, 1930, in Davidson County, Tennessee. She was born during the Depression and lived during WW II. Her formative years shaped her into a strong, Christian woman.
She graduated from Antioch High School in 1948. Right after her graduation she met Paul Ragland at church. They married in three months on August 29, 1948.
Paul and Marie moved to Huntsville in 1955 with their children Tommy age 6, and Brenda age 4, and Joy age 3. Paul and Marie believed and supported Christian education and became involved with Madison County Bible School (Madison Academy) where all of their children attended school.
Their sons, Donald and Larry, were born in Huntsville.
Paul and Marie were founding members of Mastin Lake Road Church of Christ and Meridianville Church of Christ.
They moved to Huntland, Tennessee in 1975 and lived there until Paul’s death in 1992. After Paul’s death, Marie moved to Meridianville to be close to her son and daughter.
Marie was preceded in death by her parents, Ruth and Forrest, her sister Mildred, her brother Forrest, Jr., her husband Paul, daughter Joy, and son Donald.
She is survived by her brother Kennard (Betty) Hill, her children Larry, Tommy (Clarice), Brenda (Jackie) Ray. She is survived by 10 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Marie was a wonderful Christian, daughter, sister, Mother, aunt, grandmother, and friend.
“Her children will rise up and call her blessed, her husband also, and he praises her. Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Proverbs 31: 28-30
The family will have a private visitation on Wed. July 22, 2020, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. followed by a private Celebration of Life officiated by Adam Ragland. Burial will be in Plainview Cemetery.
As anticipated, due to social distancing protocols, all funeral arrangements are currently limited to family only participation.
