Gerald William Ragland, 87, passed away on Monday, March 4, 2019 at Baptist Health Madisonville.

He was born on September 16, 1931 to the late Clara M. Smith and William H. Ragland. Gerald lived his life with a strong will and much determination. He was a very proud veteran of the United States Armed Forces-serving in the National Guard, United States Air Force and the United States Army before retiring as a 3 ^rd warrant officer from Ft. Campbell, Ky. Gerald served in the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He had many accomplishments during his military career.

In his early military years, Gerald was a member of the 170 ^th fighter bomber squadron in the Air National Guard.  He served as an airman and senior aircraft mechanic in the United State Air Force and was awarded the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal and Distinguished Unit Citation. As a helicopter pilot in the United States Army, Gerald was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism in flight in South Vietnam, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, two Overseas service bars, National Defense Service Medal and Army Aviator badge.  Upon retirement from the Army, Gerald was a private and charter pilot and a flight instructor.  He then began working for the Federal Aviation Administration in the Nashville, TN office as an aviation safety inspector and was a major in the Tennessee State Guard Aviation section.

Gerald was a Mason and was a member of Mortons Gap Christian Church. He enjoyed woodworking and photography in his spare time during his later years.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by, one brother; one sister; an infant son, Jerry Lee Ragland; and his granddaughter, Emily Dugger.

He is survived by his wife of sixty-four years, Nancy Ragland; daughters, Sara (Danny) Dugger of Madisonville and Amy (Steve) Summers of Nicholasville, KY; granddaughter, Hannah Witherspoon of Madisonville; grandsons, Matthew Dugger of Louisville, KY, Michael Summers and Daniel Summers both of Lexington, KY; five great-grandchildren; and a brother, Vernie Ragland of Clinton IL.

The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, March 8, 2019 in the chapel of Harris Funeral Home in Madisonville with Pastor Steve Sandefur officiating. Burial to follow at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Madisonville with military honors being conducted graveside by the 101st Airborne Division.

The visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the funeral hour Friday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Batten Disease Support and Research Association in memory of his granddaughter, Emily Dugger.