David Lee Ragan, 77 of Wellsburg, WV, entered into Heaven at 10:05 PM on Thursday, November 8, 2018 at Vista Springs, Concord, OH, under the care of the staff and Western Reserve Hospice, with this wife and children at his side.

David was born on April 7, 1941 in Louise, WV. David was the son of the late Michael and Mary Jane (Moore) Ragan. David was a member of Brooke Hills Free Methodist Church in Wellsburg.

David is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joyce (Beil) Ragan of Wellsburg, WV, three children, Karen Delatore and her husband, Lou of Wellsburg, WV, Jennifer McNellie and her husband, Mark of Concord Township, OH, Beverly Simas and her husband, Jason of Topsail Beach, NC. Also, seven wonderful grandchildren; Kallie Delatore, student at West Virginia University, Kameron and Louis Delatore, Calvin McNellie, student at Hillsdale College in Michigan, Carson and Raegan McNellie, and Brayton Simas, US Air Force. Dave is also survived by his dear brother, Michael and his wife Brenda, and his niece, Amy Cercone and nephew, Michael Ragan.

He retired from Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel after holding numerous positions including President of United Steelworkers Union 1190. Together with Jim Wareham, Dave initiated the Cooperative Partnership Agreement enabling better bargaining relationships between union and management. He also managed the Individual Career Development Program in Tiltonsville, Ohio, for the skills enrichment of steelworkers.

Dave loved the sport of thoroughbred horse racing and was actively involved in owning, breeding and racing. He bred one of his favorites, American Romance producing his foal, aptly named Derby Day Boy owing to his birth on Kentucky Derby Day, a national holiday in the Ragan household. He spent hours every week in the company of his brother and his lifelong friends around the poker table. But most of all he loved his family, his farm, and his dogs, Rosie, Maple and Blossom.

Dave spent his life giving assistance to others, especially those less fortunate, as was his mother, Mary Jane, he was generous to many people especially children.

Friends will be received on Tuesday, November 13, 2018 from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 PM at the James Funeral Home, Follansbee, WV (304) 527-1717 and again on Wednesday, November 14, 2018 from 9:30 AM until time of Funeral Service at 10:30 AM at the Brooke Hills Free Methodist Church, 1340 Washington Pike, Wellsburg, WV with Reverend Bryce Grieco, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wellsburg Salvation Army, C/o James Funeral Home, 1245 Main Street, Follansbee, WV 26037.

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Affiliations

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  Free Methodist