Jeffery Arvel Ragland, age 64 of Marshall, Arkansas died on Sunday, December 3, 2023 surrounded by family and friends. He was born in Marshall, Arkansas on December 13, 1958 to Arvel and Maxine Ragland.

Growing up in Barren Hollow, he helped his parents and siblings raise a garden, work cattle, cut timber, and help with the daily chores. He attended Red Oak Freewill Baptist Church with his family.

He always had a love for the outdoors. He fished and hunted deer, turkeys, and even shot a bobcat at a very young age. He would help chop the family firewood for the winter. His dad taught him how to raise cattle at a young age as well.

He attended Marshall School and excelled in FFA electricity competitions. He was an excellent football player who was not afraid to tackle anyone twice his size.

He received an associate degree from SAU University, which enabled him to work for an oil company and travel to California, Texas and Brazil.

After marrying his wife, Sheila, he decided to work as a carpenter with his dad in and around Marshall, which he loved doing. Later, he began building log homes for Honest Abe Log Homes. He has built numerous beautiful log homes, and one was featured in Country’s Best Log Homes. He had a reputation of being a builder with high integrity.

He and Sheila were blessed with two wonderful sons, Cody and Jacob, and a wonderful daughter-inlaw, Karissa. The pride and joy of his life were his granddaughter, Joanna, and grandson, Titus Arvel. He loved taking the grandkids to the farm to see the cows. Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Sheila; children, Cody (Karissa) and Jake; his grandchildren, Joanna and Titus; siblings, Nelson (Betty) Ragland, Beth Massey, and Tim (Jackie) Ragland; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss him dearly.

Funeral services for him were at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at Roller-Coffman Chapel in Marshall, Arkansas with Bro. Cody Ragland and Bro. Alan Horton officiating. Visitation was at 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 5, 2023 in the Chapel. The burial was in Red Hill Cemetery in Marshall, Arkansas. Pallbearers were Heath Massey, Grant Ragland, Nathan Ragland, Jess Horton, Trey Pruitt, Gary Don Snow, Charles England, Winter Rose Allen and Braelyn Guthrie. Honorary pallbearers were Nelson Ragland, Tim Ragland, John James, Packy Ragland, Tim Drewry, Randy Ragland, and Jeff’s work crew.