Oakdale-Funeral service for David Lavon Ragland, 80, will be held at Humble Baptist Church on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at 2 o'clock p.m. Rev. Bobby Arnold and Rev. Scott Willis will officiate. Burial will follow in Willis Flat Cemetery. All arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Ardoin/Allen Parish Funeral Homes.

The family will receive visitors at Humble Baptist Church on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, from 10 o'clock a.m. until time of service at 2 o'clock p.m.

David was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and uncle whose life was marked by unwavering faith, selfless love, and a steadfast devotion to serving God and others. He was a 1963 graduate of Pioneer High School. He furthered his education by attending Louisiana College where he graduated with a Masters in English and Journalism and a minor in Religion. David surrendered his life to become a Baptist minister in 1964 and married his loving wife, Mabel Lee Ragland on May 7, 1972. David inherited his green thumb from his mother; he loved to garden. He was known for always bringing his wife, daughter, and grandchildren freshly picked flowers from his garden. Affectionately known as "Brother David" or "Lavon", he was a shining light to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. As a Baptist minister, David dedicated his life to sharing the word of God, impacting countless lives through his preaching and his example of compassion, integrity, and grace. His passing leaves a profound void in the lives of his family, friends, and all who were touched by his kindness, but his legacy of faith and love will live on. David will be remembered not only for the life he lived, but for the light he shared with all who knew him.

Those left to cherish David's memory include his son, Derek Ragland; his daughter, Candace Harper and husband, Chad; three grandchildren, Kandalyn, Kailey, and Kaden Harper; three great grandchildren, Hudson Harper and Maverick and Maylee Scott; two sisters, Joyce Stewart and husband, Jim, and Judy Lockard and husband, Don; as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

David is preceded in death by his parents, Lemuel David and Mattie Mae Ragland; and his spouse, Mabel Lee Ragland.

Those serving as pallbearers include Chad Harper, Kaden Harper, Bruce Johnson, Ricky Whittington, Rodney Johnson, and Matthew Willis. Honorary pallbearer will be Lonuel Thompson.

Words of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.ardoinfuneralhome.com or on Facebook-Ardoin/Allen Parish Funeral Homes.