Roger Chapman "Chap" Ragland Jr., 84, of Smithfield, NC, passed away on January 28, 2025, at Wake Medical Center in Raleigh after a long battle with kidney and heart disease. A devoted servant of God, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and patriot, Chap was a man whose passion for his country, his family, his Lord and Savior, and his life was evident in everything he did.

Born on September 7, 1940, Chap was a proud U.S. Marine, carrying a deep love for his country that shaped much of his life. After his service, he met the love of his life, Ann. He was a devoted husband to his beautiful bride who he lovingly called his "darling", and their marriage of 58 years was a true testament to their genuine love and commitment to each other. They were true soulmates. Together, they built a family filled with love, laughter, and joy. Even toward the end of his journey they never forgot to laugh and hold hands. Chap would always kiss her goodnight. Their love will far penetrate eternity.

Chap also devoted countless hours to his community, serving as a Guardian Ad Litem, advocating for children in need and as an ROTC instructor, where he mentored and shaped future leaders. He was known for his generosity — always ready to lend a hand, offer a kind word, or give to those in need. His spirit of giving touched many lives, and he left behind a legacy of compassion and kindness.

Chap's professional career in telecommunications, which was inspired by his duties in the Marine Corps, was marked by dedication, integrity, and commitment. But beyond his work, he was known for his unwavering faith. He served as a Deacon at First Presbyterian Church, where his commitment to both his church and his community left a lasting impact.

Above all, Chap's love for his family was unparalleled. He was a devoted father to his daughter Ruthie who was the "apple of his eye". Ruthie, who fostered his love for life frequently called her daddy a "cat," always reminding him that he had one more life to live. She was truly a daddy's girl. Chap was also blessed to have a son-in-law, Erik, who adopted the name "Mr. Fix It." Erik and Chap shared a special bond that only deepened over the years, and Chap considered him as one of his own, his son.

Known as "Paw Paw" to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Chap delighted in doting on them. He enjoyed every moment he could spend with his "grands and greats" as he called them, feeling blessed to have such a wonderful family. His love and pride for his granddaughters Sara and Julica was immeasurable. Their Paw Paw was a kid at heart making silly memories with them every chance he got and they would sneak him sweets every chance they got. Paw Paw was blessed to have three step grandchildren that he considered his own. Nora, Alex, and Mackenzie who he loved so very much. He was so thankful that his path crossed theirs, each of them enriched his life. His great grandchildren, Westley, Maverick, and Magnolia were a constant reminder of the precious circle of life. Being able to love on each of them for such a short time brought him more joy than words could express. His family was his heart and he treasured every moment with each of them. Chap's legacy of love, service, and devotion will continue to inspire all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Ann Rowe Ragland, his daughter Ruthie Wilson, son-in-law Erik Wilson, grandchildren Sara Badgett (Dustin Price), Julica Badgett, Nora Woodland (Daniel), Alex Wilson, and Mackenzie Wilson, great-grandchildren Westley Badgett-Price, Maverick Woodland, and Magnolia Woodland, his brothers John Carraway (Dena) and Rusty Carraway (Kris), his brother-in-law Tom Rowe (Jane), and many nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, and friends, all who will forever carry his contagious smile in their hearts.

He was preceded in death by his loving mother Josephine Snell Carraway, father Roger Chapman Ragland, step-father John Biddle Carraway, his beloved sister Joanne Harrelson, father-in-law George Samual Rowe, mother-in-law Mom Rowe, as everyone knew her, and his brother-in-law George Samual "Sammy" Rowe (Milly).

Other important people in Chap's life were the staff at Forsenius Kidney Care who as he said "were so good to him." Through their kindness and compassion, they delivered lifesaving treatment for almost 9 years.

A service to celebrate Chap's life will be held on February 9, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church in Smithfield. A reception will precede the service from 2pm-3pm, followed by the funeral service at 3pm. All those who loved him are invited.

His absence will leave an endless void in our lives, but his love and legacy will live on in our hearts forever. The Bible tells us, "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." We find comfort knowing Chap is healed and dancing, as he loved to do, on the streets of gold in Heaven.

In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to First Presbyterian Church 215 S. 3rd St. Smithfield, NC 27577, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, or your favorite charity.