Charney Bertice Ragsdale

Charney Bertice Ragsdale, 94, of Carthage, tragically passed away on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, in Chapel Hill, NC, surrounded by his family.

Bertice was born on November 19, 1930, to the late Charney and Anna Seward Ragsdale in Moore County. He graduated from Farm Life High School. Bertice loved being a farmer, spending his years growing tobacco, other crops, and raising commercial chickens. He and Mary raised their children, Dianne and Greg, on their farm and were happily married for 55 years. They spent many of their years traveling with the Carolina Cardinals Motorhome Club, visiting almost every state in the country. Bertice and Mary took great pride in their meticulously maintained yard and the swimming pool where memories were made for so many.  

In his later years, Bertice could often be found having breakfast at Pete’s with his brother David or other friends, where everyone knew him as “grandpa”. Bertice was easy to spot in his red car and often wore a red sweater or jacket. He was a classy gentleman and loved by many. Bertice took great pride in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His family will cherish many memories of playing cards together, summers spent at the RV park, and simple times of storytelling and laughter shared around the living room. 

Bertice is survived by his daughter, Dianne (Bobby) Kelly of Wilmington, NC; six granddaughters, Elizabeth (Ken) Miller of Tarboro, NC, Kristin (Nathan) Broyles of Winston-Salem, NC, Hilary (Charlie) Holderness of Greensboro, NC, Katie (Ryan) Sharp of Cameron, NC, Jennifer (JT) Cole of Carthage, NC, and Rebecca Ragsdale of Columbia, SC; grandson, James (Sidney) Ragsdale of Carthage, NC; brother, David (Joan) Ragsdale; daughter-in-law, Anita Oakley Jones; close friend, Mildred Reynolds; and sixteen great-grandchildren, Parker Holderness, Elizabeth Holderness, Mary Charlotte Holderness, Blaire Broyles, Padraig Sharp, Kinsley Sharp, Everett Sharp, Ava Cole, Ashlyn Cole, Porter Cole, Langston Ragsdale, Harrison Ragsdale, Ruby Ragsdale, Ken Miller, Finley Miller, and Web Miller.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Mary Wickwire, son, Gregory Ragsdale, brother, Marshall Ragsdale, and sister, Carolyn Salzwedel.

A funeral service will be held at Yates-Thagard Baptist Church in Carthage on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 2 p.m. The family will receive visitors prior to the service at 1 p.m. After the funeral service, Bertice will be laid to rest at the Yates-Thagard Cemetery. Pastors Steven Johnson and Andrew Butner will be officiating.

Online condolences can be made at: PinesFunerals.com

Fry & Prickett Funeral Home is honored to serve Bert’s family.