Bernard G. Ragland

Bernard G. Ragland, of Dyke, Virginia, died on Wednesday, December 8, 2004. Bernie is survived by his wife, Cheryl Miller Ragland; children, Cheryl and husband, Dan Baxter, of Boyds, Maryland, Bernie Ragland Jr. and wife, Donna, of Atlanta, Georgia; grandchildren, Grafton and Ella Baxter; siblings, Margaret Kidd and husband, Emmett Kidd, of Richmond, Virginia, Graham Ragland and wife, Shirley, of Natchitoches, Louisiana, and Louise Gunter of Charlottesville, Virginia; numerous nieces and nephews; and his mother-in-law, Emily Miller. Bernie was formerly the chief accountant of AT&T. He retired in 1997 after 41 years of service at AT&T and the former Bell Companies. He has been a part-time resident of Greene County since 1979 and a full-time resident since 1997. Bernie was an avid conservationist. In 2003, his farm received the Bay Friendly Clean Water Award. Earlier this year he was commended by the Culpeper Soil and Water Conservation District for his environmentally sound farming techniques. He loved the Blue Ridge foothills and enjoyed making improvements to the environment. His positive attitude and optimistic outlook provided inspiration for family and friends. Bernie specifically requested that there be no memorial service or looking backward. He wanted his family and friends to get on with the business of living. Contributions in his memory can be made to the Blue Ridge Foothills Conservancy. Published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch on 12/9/2004.