Gary Lee Ragsdale

Funeral services are scheduled to honor the life of Gary Lee Ragsdale, who passed away at the age of 67 from Humble, Texas. The services will take place on Monday, August 21, 2023, at the American Heritage Funeral Home in Houston, Texas. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. and service will commence at 11:15 a.m., followed by a burial ceremony at 12:30 p.m. at the Houston National Cemetery, just across the street from the funeral home.

Gary was born in Fort Worth, Texas and grew up in Opelousas, Louisiana, where he attended Opelousas Catholic before graduating from Boyd High School in Fort Worth in 1974. Following his high school years, Gary pursued higher education at the University of Southwestern Louisiana (University of Louisiana at Lafayette). An individual of great pride and patriotism, Gary dedicated a portion of his life to serving in the Navy on the USS Coronado. His service saw him stationed at the Norfolk, Virginia Naval Base, Memphis, Tennessee, and on a significant deployment to Beirut, Lebanon. Upon his return to civilian life, Gary's journey took him to various professional pursuits. He began by coaching track and field and football at Opelousas Catholic. He then ventured into the oil industry, working as a Vertical Navigator Oilfield Surveyor, a role that also took him offshore. In recent years, Gary's career trajectory led him to various Chief Pipeline, Refineries & Facilities Inspector roles, working for companies like Enterprise Products, Kinder Morgan, Crestwood Midstream, Energy Transfer Partners, and Saudi Aramco. His work took him across the nation and even abroad, showcasing his dedication and expertise.

Gary's rich life was characterized by his profound love for his family and country. He was an adoring husband to his wife of 45 years, Karla Broussard Ragsdale. His legacy continues through his children: Jeremy Ragsdale, Adam Ragsdale, and Rebecca Ragsdale (alongside her significant other, Timothy Bolger). His family also includes his brother Michael Wayne Ragsdale, grandson Ashton Ragsdale, father-in-law Dale Broussard, mother-in-law Gracie Broussard, sister-in-law Gina Rhodes (husband James Rhodes), and brother-in-law Joe Broussard (wife Farnaz Milani). Gary was renowned for his intellect, deep patriotism, and open-hearted nature. He was passionate about history, the outdoors, sports, music, yard work, and cherished moments spent on motorcycle rides with his close friends. His sense of duty extended to partnering with the Patriot Guard Riders, and he was also a dedicated member of the NRA and a gun safety instructor.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Roy Dean Ragsdale and Myrtle Mary Pitre Ragsdale, and his brother Michael Woodrow Ragsdale, as well as numerous beloved relatives and friends who held a special place in his heart. The memory of Gary Lee Ragsdale will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him. His legacy of love, patriotism, and dedication will forever be cherished.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to:

St. Mary Magdalene - Prayer Quilt Ministry

527 S. Houston Avenue

Humble, Texas 77338

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AmericanHeritageFuneralHome.com for the Ragsdale family.