of Omaha, AR
July 2, 1932 - May 1, 2022
Eudell Elland Ragland, age 89, of Omaha, peacefully passed away with family surrounding him Sunday, May 1, 2022, at Cox South in Springfield, Missouri. He was born July 2, 1932, in a two-room house in Nogo, Arkansas by the midwife to Walter C. and Lessie S. Bridges Ragland.
Eudell graduated in 1952 from Valley Springs and attended the University of Arkansas at Monticello receiving degrees in Psychology and Social Studies. Eudell was well known for his basketball skills and highlighted his years of playing at Bellefonte and Valley Springs Schools with his brother Sid Ragland. He won four state championships, Allstate Championship Jr. Boys Team at Bellefonte in 1949, and State Championships 1950-1952 at Valley Springs and could remember the games in great detail. He was inducted into the AIC 1956 Basketball Hall of Fame. He went on to become a legendary coach and loved the boys and girls from Mt. Judea he coached like they were his own. His ball playing and coaching was the most prideful part of his life.
We lost a legend and a timeless artifact. He had a big heart for others and those that needed a chance. In college at Monticello, he was known as "Rags to Riches" showing up with nothing and then breaking records that have still yet to beat. He married Poneta Ruth Ragland in the fall of 1982 in Flippin, and they celebrated 30 years before her death. He will be missed by many. He loved his time with all his friends, family, and ballplayers.
He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Chris and Marceia Ragland, daughters and sons-in-law Allane and Jim Gass, Nicole Risley and Ronnie Long, grandchildren and their spouses Carol Jo "Scooter" and Paul Talley, Kristy and Mike Pounders, Jennifer and Allen Barrett, Jessica and Aaron Gutting, and Lyric Long and a host of other family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wives, Ann Ragland and Poneta "Ruth" Ragland, his significant other, Brenda Reid, his brothers: infant Walter Junior and Sid Ragland, and his sister Johnnie Earnhart.
Visitation was Thursday, May 5, 2022, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home. Interment will be in Bellefonte Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Mt Judea, Valley Springs, or an athletic department of choice in his honor.
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14 Condolence(s)
Rosemary Starkey
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
I wasn't aware Eudell passed away until now. I was so very very sorry to hear of his passing.
My late husband was "Spat Starkey" and he and Eudell were the very best of friends.
Eudell was truly one of a kind and will be greatly missed and loved by all who knew him.
I personally will never forget his very loyal friendship. If you had Eudell as a friend, you had a true friend and I will always be grateful for his friendship.
Sheila Valrntine
Monday, May 9, 2022
Uncle Eudelle thank you for always looking out for me when I was a child I appreciate you being honest with me on so many levels
May you Rest In Peace give aunt Ruthie a big hour for me up there
Love
Sheila
Sheila Valrntine
Sunday, May 8, 2022
Uncle Eudelle thank you for always looking out for me when I was a child I appreciate you being honest with me on so many levels
May you Rest In Peace give aunt Ruthie a big hour for me up there
Love
Sheila
Bonnie Horn
Thursday, May 5, 2022
Sincerest Sympathy to the family.
Mike McCoy
Wednesday, May 4, 2022
I played BB against Eudel and Sid many times, beginning in 1949 when they were at Bellefonte and they won the Jr. High State Tournament, both making the All-State team. They were the ultimate in that sport, and Eudel had no comparison, anywhere. After our playing days we became more than friends, and did talk and relish the "old time" games. He was a friend. There will never be another brother combo with the skills Eudel and Sid possessed.
steve nelson
Tuesday, May 3, 2022
i was thinhing of him just the other day, he was very well known and always had time to talk ,truly one of a kind
Steven and Carol Riley
Tuesday, May 3, 2022
Elderly was the best coach ever ..cared about the kids and knew how to win Always heard such great stories at the iga at western Grove of his coaching days ..a true legend that will be missed..
Steven and Carol Riley
Tuesday, May 3, 2022
Elderly was the best coach ever ..cared about the kids and knew how to win Always heard such great stories at the iga at western Grove of his coaching days ..a true legend that will be missed..
Buck and Jane Martin
Tuesday, May 3, 2022
We are so sorry to hear of Eudell’s passing. Buck said Eudell was the very best Basketball Coach and Buck patterned his own coaching after him. Also, we enjoyed the many coffee gatherings around the ROUND TABLE at Grice’s! Eudell accomplished a lot in his lifetime and we are proud to have called him “Friendâ€. Prayers for all of you. Sending hugs and love.
Johnny and Kathy Martin
Tuesday, May 3, 2022
He was absolutely the best coach ever and if it hadn’t been for him and Ann, I’d never have graduated! He took care of everyone on his teams! I’ll never forget how he stood by me even over the years! Rest In Peace by dear friend!
Ida Shoemaker
Monday, May 2, 2022
Im so sorry for your loss . May God be with the family.
Walter Paul Rosseau
Monday, May 2, 2022
Remembering you with fondness.
R.I.P.
Walter Paul
Ben Taylor
Monday, May 2, 2022
Sympathy and prayers for the family. I coached against Eudell when he was at Purdy Mo And I was at Hurley yard can remember stories my brother told about playing with him at Valley
Thelma earnhart
Sunday, May 1, 2022
Sure am gonna miss you uncle Eudell tell mom I said hello