William Duane Ragan

William Duane Ragan, 92, passed away peacefully at his home, built with his own two hands, surrounded by his loving family on Monday, September 25th, 2023. He fought the good fight and pressed towards the mark of the high calling of God and on that day when his strength was failing and his time had come, he sang praises to his King Jesus thanking Him for his life and faithfulness over the years. His family is deeply saddened by his passing and will miss him dearly but are united in the knowledge that God called him home according to his great plan our faith is anchored in the promise of the everlasting life through Jesus Christ. He lived his life with goodness and grace and his legacy is his family, his faith, and his music. The Bible says in Micah 6:8, “He hath shown the O’ man what is good, and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God.” This is a picture-perfect image of the gentle man, William Duane Ragan. Duane was born to Dallas O. and Maudie Ragan on September 13, 1931, in Lowell, NC. Later his family moved to Travelers Rest when he was young, and they remained here throughout his life. Duane graduated from Travelers Rest High School and had an insatiable desire for learning through reading, taking many classes, and a lot of life experiences. Duane loved airplanes, trains, boats, and fishing. He always had multitude of projects going and loved to tinker. He was somewhat of a country version of a Renaissance Man meaning he could do just about anything he put his mind to and if he didn’t know how, he would figure it out, He was known for his easy way, his huge humble heart and strength of character but perhaps most of all for his musical talent and passion for playing the steel guitar. Duane was given the nickname “Killer” by his friends because he “killed” the steel guitar! He was a professional musician in his early years and even played at the Grand Ole Opry but walked away from that life after he found the Lord and made a personal choice to live his life more pleasing to God. Through the years he enjoyed playing at his church and loved playing his music at different venues and events including musicals at Center Stage, Greenville Little Theater and The Mill Town Players Community Theater. He also played for the SC Steel Guitar Association’s Convention as a featured performer on Friday evenings at George Creek Community Center in Easley, SC. Duane was cherished member of Scenic Hills Baptist Church where played his music with the Royal Blue Band always bringing happiness and the songs of the faith with enthusiastic spirit and remarkable musicianship. Duane is survived by his loving wife Doris E. Ragan with whom he enjoyed 63 years of marriage and built a legacy of love and family together. He leaves three daughters and three sons-in-laws, Sherry L. Smith (Kevin), Gine R. Bond (Michael), and Amber D. Smith (Jonathan). He was blessed with 7 grandchildren, Arlen (Katelyn), Austin (Bella), Alicia (Drake), Andrew, Devyn (Mackenzie), Dallas, and Olivia. He also has three great-grandchildren, Dahlia, Luka, and “Baby Girl Smith” whom he was looking forward to welcoming into the family coming soon in October 2023! Duane also has a loving sister, Barabra Holt Poole, who has been a great joy in his life. He loved his family dearly and was a great inspiration, uniquely dedicated to each one in personal relationships, sharing stories of life and caring acts of kindness. In addition to his parents, Duane is predeceased by a brother, Ronald C. Ragan, and an infant sister Magdalene Ragan. A memorial service celebrating the life of this man of great love, music, and humble servant of the Lord will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, September 29th, 2023, at The Howze Mortuary Chapel. The family will receive friends and family from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m., prior to the service. Following the service, the family will be at the home of the daughter, Amber Smith in Greer, SC. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting, https://www.thehowzemortuary.com/obituaries/

William Duane Ragan

September 13, 1931 - September 25, 2023