Joel "Big Daddy" Ragland Sr., 64, Newnan, died March 22, 2008. He was born July 11, 1943 in Heard County, the second son. He was preceded in death by his father, Willie B. Ragland, and brother, "Sonny" Ragland. He had received his education in the Heard County school system. He had joined the Elim Baptist Church at an early age, and was the proud owner of Ragland Brothers Repair and Towing. He was an original member of The Newnan Riders Club. Services were at St. Smyrna Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Griffin Ragland, Newnan; sons, Terry Ragland, Joel Ragland Jr., and Darryl Smith; daughters, Devon and Victoria Pace, Vanessa Skeen, Primmer Ragland, LaTonya Teasley, and Erica Ragland; mother, Primmer Ragland; brothers, Larry and Linda Ragland, J. B. James, and Howard and Cheryl Ragland; a sister, Shirley Ragland; mother-in-law, Mary Griffin; grandchildren, Tamar, Toccora, Sharanda, Nicholas, Shamar, Tedale, Michael, Tomekia, Taylor, Tamira, and Amelia; uncles, Leno Blandenburg, and Charles McClesky; an aunt, Alee McClesky; three brothers-in-law; four sisters-in-law; and special friends, Joe Stephens, Jimmy Geter, Leno Blandenburg III, and Melvin Moreland.

Roscoe Jenkins Funeral Home, Newnan, was in charge.