William Ray Ragsdale

Mr. William Ray Ragsdale, age 78, of Columbia, passed away Friday, October 30, 2026, at his residence.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, November 5, at 10:00 a.m. at Heritage Funeral Home with Bro. Mike Roberts officiating. Burial will follow at Arlington Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, November 4, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. and again on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until the service time at the funeral home. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

William, affectionately known as "Wickey Bill," was born on June 24, 1948, in Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee, to the late Elton Maxwell Ragsdale, Sr. and Uvella Sutton Ragsdale. He spent many years working in the construction and trades industries, where he worked for Columbia Construction approximately 20 years before joining TVA. He worked as a pipe fitter for Plumber and Pipe Fitter Union Local 572 for 25 years.

William enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, especially spending time outdoors. He could often be found mowing the yard or relaxing in his garage. He also enjoyed fishing and took pleasure in staying busy outside. He will be remembered fondly by his family and friends and dearly missed by all who knew him.

In addition to his wife of 53 years, Frances Turbyfill Ragsdale, he is survived by his children, Billy (Kris) Stanfill, David (Debbie) Stanfill, and Guy Ragsdale; sister, Judy R. Wyatt; grandchildren, Brandon Stanfill, Brandi Stanfill, Stephen (Ashley) Lunn, Shana (Ryan) Powell, Susie (Blake) Bolton, Stephen Stanfill, Katie Ragsdale, Haley Ragsdale, Jayden Ragsdale, Tyler Ragsdale, and Hayden Ragsdale; 12 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Michael Ragsdale; brothers, Jr. Ragsdale and Johnny Ragsdale; sisters, Margaret Norman, Ruby McGaw, Minnie Ragsdale, and Barbara Holder; and his special dog, Oreo.

Pallbearers will be Jeff Ragsdale, Blake Bolton, Ryan Powell, Keith Ragsdale, Stephen Lunn, Ricky Hodge, Stephen Stanfill, Guy Odom, and Guy Ragsdale.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Brandi Stanfill, Susie Bolton, Shana Powell, Kris Stanfill, and Debbie Stanfill for their love and support. They would also like to thank the Gentiva Hospice team, including Tim Brashers, Hannah, and Haven, along with Dr. Doug Kennedy, for their care and kindness.