Tillman Ragin

BROOKLYN, N.Y. – Tillman “Big T” Ragin, 58, husband of Willie Mae Young Ragin, died Jan. 22, 2007, at Brookdale Hospital, Brooklyn.

Born July 28, 1948, in Pinewood, Clarendon County, he was a son of Ruby Ragin Martin and the late Thomas Gibson and stepson of the late Bill Martin. He received his formal education in the public schools of St. Paul and Scott’s Branch High in Clarendon County. In his youth, he joined St. Phillip RUME Church in Pinewood. After moving to Brooklyn, he attended Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He worked at Brooklyn College as a maintenance man and groundskeeper.

Survivors besides his wife, Willie Mae Ragin of Brooklyn, and mother, Ruby Mae Martin, include one son, Kenneth (Keisha S.) Young of Queens, N.Y.; two daughters, Felicia Ragin and Veronica Shariese Ragin, both of Brooklyn; one brother, Carl Gibson of New Winber, N.Y.; eight sisters, Willie Mae Wilder and Julia (Mensah) Juniors, both of Brooklyn, Redia Mae Martin, Malqueen Martin, Jacqulin (Mack) Gibson, Gail Gibson and Joann Gibson, all of New York, N.Y., and Carlyon (Sago) Gibson of Washingtonville, N.Y.; one uncle, Dennis Gibson of Pinewood; and six grandchildren.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2007, at the Hayes F. Samuels Sr. Memorial Chapel in Manning, with Brother James Simmons officiating.

Burial was in St. Phillip RUME Church cemetery, Pinewood.

Samuels Funeral Home LLC of Manning was in charge of arrangements.