08/03/2025
Services for Mr. Arlon Hugh Ragsdale, 83, of Alba, are scheduled for 11 a.m., Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at Amazing Grace Fellowship Church, with Pastor Jacob Chaffin officiating, under the direction of Wilson-Bartley Funeral Home, Alba.
Interment will be in Salem Cemetery.
Arlon Hugh Ragsdale entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on Friday, August 1, 2025. Arlon was born on September 25, 1941, in Alba, to Fitz Hughlee Ragsdale and Bulah Ida Delilah Parmer. He was blessed with one brother, Waymon Ragsdale (Diane), and one sister, Fern McGahee (Bill), both of Alba.
He met and married the love of his life, (Helen) June Harrison of Winnsboro on February 8, 1963, and they were married for over 60 years, until June’s passing in 2024. Three children were given to them from the Lord, Terri Chaffin, (Arlon) Hugh Ragsdale, Jr., and Junella Brown.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Hughlee and Bulah Ragsdale; his son, Hugh Ragsdale; nephew, Kolton McGahee; wife, June; and son-in-law, Jackie Chaffin.
He is survived by a host of nieces and nephews as well as friends who he considered family.
Arlon was blessed with seven grandchildren, Jacob Chaffin (Maegen), Jaclyn Hinojosa (Rick), Ethan Ragsdale (Julie), Cy Ragsdale (Allie), Korth Ragsdale, Nicholai and Sean Elkins, Jennifer Nash (Preston), and Stephanie Galvez (Joey).
The real spark in Arlon’s life was when he began to have great-grandchildren. He found renewed energy for playtime and the love of golf cart rides when they came to visit. His freezer was always stocked with ice cream, just in case they needed a snack. His great grands were Adalie, Madalyn, Jaxon and Aniyah Chaffin, Harper, Mia and Everly June Hinojosa, Madison and Jackson Nash, and Lainy and Waylon Galvez.
Arlon was an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God. He pastored churches in Leonard, Jacksboro, Lavon, Early, Byers, and Alba. He LOVED loving people. He never met a stranger and always made sure he talked to them about Jesus. One of his grandsons asked him one day, “Pawpaw, do you know everybody?’ He replied, “No, but you never know when you’re going to need a friend.” Family and friends alike have expressed that Arlon made a bigger impact on their Christian walk than anyone else in their lives.
In his lifetime he answered to many names, Arlon, Babe, Daddy, Pastor, Bro. Ragsdale, Bro. R., and even Speedball, just to name a few. However, if given the chance to leave you with one thought, he would no doubt say, his greatest title throughout his life was “Child of God.”
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Cottonwood Assembly of God Building Fund, P.O. Box 38, Golden, TX 75444.
The family will receive friends 10 a.m., Tuesday, at the church, until service time.
