Cornell Wilde Ragland

Obituary "To live in the hearts we leave behind in not to die" ~ Thomas Campbell On Saturday, October 16,2011,in Richmond,Virginia,Cornell Wilde Ragland,"Chuck",departed this life suddenly when God called him home. Though our hearts are filled with profound sadness,as believers of God's word and in acceptance of his promise,we know Chuck is safe in the Master's arms. "Chuck"- as he was commonly known- was the mature version of nickname "Chuckie" given to him as a child by his mother. He was born at the Medical College of Virginia on August 3,1963 to the late Joseph and Winnie Ragland. He was the youngest of four children and was preceded in death by the oldest child,brother Eugene"Junnie" Edwards. A life-long resident of Richmond.Chuck was raised in the Creighton Court community and was educated in Richmond City Public Schools. In his youth,he accepted Christ and joined Cedar Street Baptist Church. It was a 16 year-old Chuck who first practiced in his mother's home the skill and trade that he would later perfect and become renowned for throughout the city- barber. Chuck gained extensive,invaluable experience as a barber--having worked in shops around town. He built a large clientele of loyal patrons along the way so,usually ,whenever he was presented with a better job opportunity,his customers followed him. Chuck was last employed at"Talk of the Town" on Broad Street where he remained until his untimely death. He was truly a barber extraordinaire! Just over a decade ago on September 1,2001,Chuck married the love of his life,Fransine B. Harris and two families merged into one. Together they made a house a home and raised,parented and loved ubconditionally five children. Over time.Chuck evolved and settled unto the role of family mediator,keeping peace in a house surrounded by only girls whenever son "Little Chuck" wasn't there. A proud,kind-hearted,husband and father,Chuck was the quintessential family man. He consistently showered Fransine, whom he affectionately referred to as "Poodie"--with thoughtful gifts to demonstrate his continued deep love and apprection for her. Sending fer flowers and ballons became a regular signature expression--not just on special occasions but often,just because. Consequently,some of Fransine's co-workers dubbed Chuck"Ballon Boy"! "Ballon Boy" struck again when he melted daughter Marie's heart by giving her,too,flowers and ballons when she graduated from Swansboro Elementary School in fifth grade. It is an undisbutable fact Chuck cherished his children and grandson and that they reciprocated his love. Chuck joined Fairfield Baptist Church over ten years ago where he and his family faithfully worshipped. For some years,Chuck served passionately on the usher board where he later enjoyed the honor and additionaly responsibility of head usher. It's no wonder he was tapped for this position as it requires one to be jovial,neat,approachable and cooperative;Chuck was all these and more! Everyone who knew Chuck knew how meticulous he was about his apperance and attire. To keep the boy ushers up to his standards and looking dapper,he even bought them matching neckties. In his leisure,Chuck enjoyed watching football,listening to music,riding roller coasters and working in the yard. He took pleasure in attending outdoor jazz concerts with Fransine and their friends,and he was an ardent Pittsburgh Steelers fan. But above it all,Chuck loved God first. And so it is:"And Jesus said unto him,Verily I say unto thee,Today shalt thou be with me in paradise" Luke 23:43 Chuck leaves to cherish his memory,his loving and devoted wife,Fransine Ragland;four daughters,Lakisha Daniels,Tone`Widbee,Franshaun Harris and Marie Harris;one son,Cornell Daniels;one grandson,Sherman Whidbee,II;one sister,Angelean Ragland;one brother,Joseph Ragland,Jr.(Cynthia);mother-in-law,Mary Battle(Sylvester);two brothers-in-law,Toney Bynum and Keijo Butts;two sisters-in-law Tracey Walker(Bobby) and Monica Funn;godfather,James Fuller,Sr.;two god sisters,Tracy Fuller and Cynthia Minott;two god brothers,James Fuller,Jr. and LeVon Fuller;devoted friends,Rodrick Williams,Mario Battle and Pastor Timothy Kirven and a host of other relatives and friends. ,

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Cornell Wilde Ragland

August 31, 1963 - October 16, 2011