James Thomas “Tommy” Ragsdale Sr., who always put his family first, was a faithful Christian, avid outdoorsman and loyal friend. He passed away Friday, November 29, 2024 at the age of 78.

Tommy was born March 1, 1946, in Java, VA. He was the son of Phillip S. and Janie B. Ragsdale. He was a lifelong resident of Pittsylvania County, graduating from Spring Garden High School, where he played basketball and served as a bus driver. He married the love of his life, Emily Hudson, on June 25, 1966. They met on a blind date and said it was love at first sight.

He is survived by Emily, his wife of 58 years; his daughter, Donna Ragsdale Dunn (Randall); his son; James Thomas “J.T.” Ragsdale Jr. (Teresa); his grandson, Graham Dunn, Granddaughter, Isabella “Bella” Dunn, and step-granddaughter, Holly Motley and her twin sons, Santiago and Marcelo, and his brothers, John (Carolyn) and Allen (Wanda). He also loved those who cared for him with such kindness in his later years, most especially Connie Darnell, Jean Logan, Kenneth Wallace, CJ McDaglia, Jeanette Yacks, and Karen. He also loved his cat Marie and his birddog Hank, who predeceased him.

Tommy was a long-time member of Shockoe Baptist Church where he served as a Sunday School Director and teacher, Youth Director, Deacon and Chairman of the Deacons. He also sang in the choir for many years, and in his early days played and coached softball.

He retired from Ennis Business Forms after 41 years. He enjoyed meeting up with his Ennis friends for many years at their monthly retirement breakfast.

He found joy in the everyday pleasures of a perfectly grilled steak, a good NASCAR race or a UNC basketball game, a hunt for quail or turkey, a dance with his best girl Emily and a fine crop of wheat or tobacco. One of his favorite memories was traveling to Hawaii with Emily, one of the few times he ever flew on an airplane. Even though he never took a vacation with his hard-working parents growing up, Tommy made sure his children got to see the beach and the nation’s capital, a professional baseball game and Disney World. He is not in many of the pictures because he was always the one taking them, and left behind beautiful reels of slides for his family.

Even as his strength and clarity were taken by “Mr. Parkinson”, his biggest worry was that those he loved would be taken care of. He demonstrated the beauty of a steadfast, devoted life. Whenever you are reminded to check your tires or oil, remember his love for you.

The family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to either Shockoe Baptist Church, 516 Spring Garden Road, Chatham, VA 24531, or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at https://www.michaeljfox.org.

A private Graveside Burial will be held for immediate family only at HillCrest Burial Park, Chatham, VA. A Celebration of Life Service for all friends and family will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2024 at 2:00pm at Norris Mt. Hermon Chapel, Danville, VA, with Reverend Ted Smith officiating. A visitation will be held on the same day prior to the service from 1-2:00pm, also at Norris Mt. Hermon Chapel, Danville. VA. The family will receive friends at other times at the residence from Friday November 29th thru Sunday, December 1, 2024.

Norris Funeral Services, Inc. & Crematory, Mt. Hermon Chapel, Danville, VA is respectfully serving the Ragsdale family. Online condolences may be made at www.norrisfuneral.com.