Johnny Ragsdale

Johnny Ragsdale, 79, of Dover, Arkansas, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, April 12, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on November 28, 1945, in the tight-knit community of Bullfrog Valley, Arkansas, he was the son of Willard and Rose Etta Pellham Ragsdale. Johnny was a proud native of Dover, deeply rooted in both his faith and his hometown.
A hardworking and dedicated auctioneer and retired from ConAgra after 35 plus years of Service, Johnny spent his life building not just a career, but a legacy of service, kindness, and community spirit. He was honored as Dover’s Citizen of the Year in 2020, a reflection of the many lives he touched through his generosity and deep involvement in local affairs. He was a proud and active member of the Dover Lions Club, where he found joy in helping others and never missed a chance to fire up the grill for a "Booster Burger" as well as the Dover Area Chamber of Commerce. Johnny was truly “hometown proud,” and his love for Dover was evident in everything he did including the planning and development of the Dover Veteran's Memorial.
Johnny was a devoted member of Gateway Pentecostal Church of God, where his faith anchored his life and gave him purpose. Church was more than a place of worship—it was a second family. He was known for his warm smile, his encouraging spirit, and his willingness to lend a hand or say a prayer whenever it was needed. Whether it was spending time with his loved ones, sharing stories, or serving his church and community, Johnny lived with a heart full of gratitude and grace.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved son, Johnny Dale “Bud” Ragsdale; his brothers, George Ragsdale, Vernon Ragsdale, and James Leonard Ragsdale; and his sister, Joyce Williams. Though he will be deeply missed, his memory lives on through the many people who were blessed to know him.
Johnny is survived by his daughters, Connie Ragsdale of Dover and Kathy Snow (Doug) of London; his daughter-in-law, Shery Ragsdale of Dover; his grandchildren, Vanessa Ragsdale Brown (Jacoby) of Dover, Xzavier Lay (Casey) of Zionsville, Indiana, Hannah Mendez of Fort Smith, Drake Davis of Russellville, Matt Snow (Sarah Jane) of Lonoke, Laura Estes (Doug) of Des Arc, Jaylon Snow (Abbie) of Des Arc, William Reid (Athina), Ralph Reid (Anjum), Tyler "Ty" Reid; 17 great-grandchildren, Gavin Hampton of Danville, Bentley Hampton, Jaden Brown, and HazeLynn Brown of Dover, and Channing Lay and Noah Lay of Indiana, Saylor, Shepard and Sadler Snow of Lonoke, Eastyn, Emersyn, Everett, Eloise, Elijah, Elliott Estes, Hazel and Bennett Snow all of Des Arc; and one great-great-grandson expected in October. He also leaves behind his brother, Lowell Ragsdale (Fran) of Dover; and sisters, Betty Walters and Eudola Pepper (David) of Dover, and Gwenna Brandon (James) of Russellville and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Johnny’s life will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Gateway Pentecostal Church of God, with Rev. Jerry Vinson and Rev. Michael Brandon officiating. He will be laid to rest at Owens Cemetery in Dover, under the direction of Humphrey Funeral Service. Visitation will be held on Wednesday evening from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Gideon’s International https://www.gideons.org/donate or the Dover Lions Club, P.O. Box 513, Dover, AR 72837 or the Flag Fund at Dover location of the Chambers Bank. Friends and loved ones are invited to share condolences and memories at www.humphreyfuneral.com.