Brother Mark Keith Ragsdale, age 53 of Arley, passed away Saturday, April 26, 2025, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born June 3, 1971 to Jerry and Joyce Ragsdale. Mark loved the Lord and was passionate about sharing the Gospel with others. He was currently serving as pastor at Bethel Baptist #1 in Arley, Alabama. In his spare time, Mark loved all things sports related. He especially enjoyed the many years of coaching, teaching, and working as a bus aide for the Special Education bus for Meek Schools. Mark loved history. He would spend countless hours learning and discussing history when given the chance, whether reading a book, watching documentaries or movies, or visiting historical places. Visitation will be Wednesday, April 30, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Bethel Baptist Church #1 in Arley, where the service will be held at 5:00 p.m. Burial will be in the adjoining cemetery. Brother Etsel Riddle will officiate. Pallbearers will be Mike Ragsdale, Clifton Rudd, Devin Guthrie, Jeff Sudduth, Dustin Ragsdale, and Gary O’Gwin. Brother Mark is survived by his wife of 34 years, Jenny Ragsdale; daughters, Kourtney and Kaitlan Ragsdale; son, Jordan Ragsdale; parents, Jerry and Joyce Ragsdale; brother, Mike Ragsdale; mother-in-law, Anita Gaither; sister-in-law, Nina (Josh) Wilson; brother-in-law, Kevin (Tanya) Gaither; and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Annisteen Estes Abbott and Johnny and Ethel Wall Ragsdale; baby brother, Jerry Wayne Ragsdale, Jr.; and father-in-law, Brother Donny Gaither. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made in Brother Mark’s memory to the Mark Ragsdale Bible Fund at Traditions Bank or electronically through venmo @mark_ragsdale_bible_fund .
