Mr. Bobbie Joe Ragland, better known as Bob, age 83 of Sparta, passed away Friday, December 19, 2025 at Life Care Center of Sparta.

Bob was born September 13, 1942 in McMinnville, Tennessee to the late Carlos and Clara Ola Elrod Ragland.  Bob was a 1961 graduate of White County High School. After graduation, he proudly began a 30-year military career with the United States Navy.

Bob served on the Board of Directors for the Friends of Scott's Gulf Wilderness State Park because he wanted to protect and preserve the wilderness where he called home for two decades.  He enjoyed hiking and volunteering his time and labor at the Park.

In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by brothers Dave Ragland, Claude Lee Ragland and wife Joy, Herman Ragland and wife Mary Ellen, One sister, Carlena Ragland-Ramson and husband Murray; brother in law, Billy Hale and a host of beloved extended family and close friends.

He is survived by two sisters, Joyce Hale and Pattye Ragland.

One brother Jim Ragland and wife Cathy

Several nieces, nephews, extended famlly members and friends also survive

Bob's family has entrusted Hunter Funeral Home with his cremation and a memorial service will be conducted 3:00pm January 10, 2025 from the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home with full military honors by the Veterans' Honor Guard.  The family will receive friends after 2:00pm on the 10th.