Theodore Ragland

Theodore Ragland was born in Baltimore, Maryland on Sunday, December 13, 1925 to Elizabeth Williams Ragland and George Ragland. Theodore was an only child.
His early schools years were spent in the Baltimore, Maryland, Montgomery, Alabama and Detroit, Michigan school systems. He graduated with a diploma from Cass Technical High school and a Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering from Lawrence Institute of Technology (University).
During World War II Theodore enlisted in the United States Navy and served two years. He was Honorably Discharged on July 20, 1945.
When Theodore Ragland met his wife Isabelle Gibson in 1950 he was employed by the De Soto division of the Chrysler Corporation. After their marriage, Theodore’s job routinely laid-off workers.
In 1952 an opportunity of employment stability presented itself and Theodore took it and started working for the City of Detroit’s Water Board as a meter reader.
In January 1972 Theodore completed his prescribed training as a Police Reservist with the Detroit Police Department. He enjoyed serving the citizens of Detroit in this capacity.
After 38 years and continual advancement, Theodore retired from The City of Detroit as a Senior Construction Inspector in 1990. At the same time he “retired” as a Detroit Police Department Reservist.
Theodore joined Mt Olive Baptist Church under the late pastor Reverend H.E. Owens. He continued his faithful membership under pastors Jack E. Ealy, Sr. and Harold H. Cadwell, Jr. Theodore was active in the Usher Board until his health began to decline.
As a Mason he held membership in the Nimrod Lodge No. 2 for over 68 years and was an American Legionnaire member.
Theodore met Isabelle Gibson at her Aunt’s home in February 1950. Later, after a 6 month courtship they married at Mt Olive Baptist Church after services on Sunday, August 26, 1951. To this blessed union four children were born, Michael Anthony, Roderick Fabien, Theodora Lynnette, and Eric Bryan. Son Roderick Fabien, along with his parents, Elizabeth and George, preceded him in death.
Also, as a member of his beloved Joseph Walker Williams Community Center, Theodore earlier swam (like a “fish”), and most recently played cards, and most avidly played pool/billiards. When recognizing the failure of his vision, Theodore sought out a solution to allow him to continue playing pool. Bright red was a color that still registered in his declining vision. Upon his request a bright red cue ball was ordered and when received allowed him to continue playing, with joy, for a while longer.
Theodore stressed the importance of education to his children and most recently to his grand children. As an advocate he mentored and loaned his prized engineering books to several young men. He was a publicly quiet man that loved God, his wife, children, other family, and friends.
Theodore left this world at home on Tuesday, December 28, 2010 , ready and with quiet peace.
Theodore leaves to cherish his many memories his fiercely devoted wife Isabelle Gibson Ragland, eldest son Michael (Tracy), only daughter and “Twin” Theodora, and youngest son Eric (Frankeeta). Grandchildren: Derrick, Erica, Randolph, Franklin, Angelica, Monya, Duncan, and Eric, Jr. Great-Grandchildren: Jasmine and Genevieve. A dear cousin Roosevelt Massey (Geri) and a most precious friend Shadrack Thalbert Hare (Viola) are also left to cherish his memory.