With deepest sorrow, we gather today honoring the memory of Damon Damund Ragland 42 our most beloved husband, son, father, brother, family member, and friend died July 4, 2021 at his home in Portland, OR. after a lengthy bout with pancreatic and liver cancer. His final days were spent surrounded by family and friends that Damon had touched in some small way throughout his short, yet memorable life. Damon was born August 18, 1978 in Little Rock, AR. to Carolyn Jean and Anthony Eugene Ragland Sr. He was the second of four children.
Christened as an infant at Greater Trinity C.O.G.I.C. by St. DeWitt Hill, pastor. He was a member of Sunday School and the Sunshine Band Choir. He began his first years of formal public education at Woodrow Elementary School in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Damon along with his family joined St. Stephen’s C.O.G.I.C under the leadership of Bishop George D. McKinney. He enrolled in and attended St. Stephen’s Christian School under the direction of Dr. Jean C. McKinney, principal excelling in his studies and graduating May 1996 with a 3.8 grade point average. Damon was a member of the San Diego Youth Symphony proficiently playing both the violin and cello. Damon was a proud member of the St. Stephen’s Inspirational choir led by Evangelist Norma Handy and enjoyed summer tours with the choir. Damon displayed outstanding athletic ability earning several accolades playing football at Lincoln High School and as an integral member of the Gazelle Striders Youth Track Club.
Following high school Damon briefly enrolled in Shaw University for one year prior to moving to Portland, Oregon. He would later enroll in Concordeed Career Institute where he excelled in his studies earning his certification as a Certified Medical Assistant.
Damon had a passion for painting and drawing, often creating extraordinary pieces of art which he freely shared with family and friends. A steadfast Philadelphia Eagles fan, he enjoyed debating teams superiority with any one that would listen. As a supervisor with Mentor Oregon, he always led by example and was highly respected and loved by his co-workers. Damon recommitted his life to Christ which caused his faith to ignite. His faith in God was his primary weapon in fighting his cancer diagnosis resulting in several unex-pected miracles including tumor shrinkages. He contributed his spiritual strength to the virtual weekly ministry of Bishop Brandon B. Porter and the Greater Community Temple C.O.G.I.C. He also participated in the daily prayer with Pastor Kiemba Knowlin and Jack-son Memorial Temple C.O.G.I.C.
Damon was preceded in death by his great-grandmother, Alice Sanders, and his grandparents, David and Ida Penigo. He is survived by his parents, Carolyn and Anthony Ragland Sr. of Atoka, TN; his wife whom he affectionately referred to as the LOVE OF HIS LIFE, Charity King-Ragland and three children, Dymond Ragland (daughter), Chaise Ragland (son), and Charish Ragland (daughter) of Portland, Oregon; one sister Niyokia Meacham and husband Paul of Atoka, TN; two brothers Anthony Ragland Jr. and wife Christina of Portland, OR and Christen Ragland and wife Asia of Little Rock, AR, his grandmother whom he has always shown respect and love for Ms. Bessie Ragland of Little Rock AR; his mother and father in-Law Marc and Ruth McCollum, of Corbett, OR; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, uncles, aunts, in-laws, and friends.