John Earl Ragin

With the deepest sorrow, we announce that John Earl Ragin, our beloved father, grandfather, and brother, born on March 17, 1944, in Summerville, SC, USA, passed away on June 17, 2024. As Maya Angelou once said, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel," and John Earl indeed left an indelible impression on all those who were fortunate to know him.

John Earl was a compassionate, charismatic, dedicated, and thoughtful individual always ready with a twinkle in his eye to tease his nieces and nephews, which was one of his fondest hobbies. Spending his years as a custodian at Rutgers University, his dedication to his work was evident in the spotless spaces he maintained, an achievement he took great pride in. His charisma was infectious; colleagues, friends, and family members found his company to be nothing short of delightful. John Earl's thoughtfulness and compassion extended far beyond his professional sphere as he prioritized family above everything else. He was a retired member of Rutgers University after 33 years. He got just about all his family jobs there until they retire like him. His jovial nature made family outings and gatherings a joyous occasion to look forward to.

John Earl is survived by his son, Lamont Monroe and daughter-in-law, Keya Jackson; grandchildren Floy (Mighty) and Myrcle Monroe, and Zariah Alvarado; great-grandson Floyd Webb; and his brothers, Thomas (Latonya) and Jonah, Michael, sisters Dorothy Backus (Curtis), Betty Jones (Alexander), Willene Frank (Hugh), Diane Ragin, Marie Lee (Ronald), Ida Mae Robinson (David), sister-in law Daisey, Special friends Kevin Burnnett, Leroy Moore, Ed Gazbrson. A special great nephew Rayhmere. A host of nieces, nephews, family friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Ragin and Mary Canty; his wife, Mrs. Lanora Ragin; his son, Roy Jones; granddaughter Jackson Keyanda; siblings Thomas C., Charlie, George, Tex Ragin and Mary Francis. As we mourn our loss, we also take comfort in knowing that John Earl is now reunited with them.

We invite you to share your fondest memories and photos of John Earl on his memorial page. Your stories and pictures will serve as a comfort to us and pay tribute to a life beautifully lived and profoundly missed.