Roy Ragland Obituary

Roy Randall "Randy" Ragland CHARLESTON - Captain Roy Randall Ragland peacefully rode across the horizon one last time with his wife by his side on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. Born in Long Beach, California, Randy was a Navy "brat" who arrived in Charleston just before his 10th birthday. He spent his formative years roaming the Lowcountry, where he never met a stranger. As a graduate of James Island High School in 1970, Randy found the love of his life and wife of 52 years, Linda Thornhill. They married in 1972, and spent time in Oklahoma and New Orleans before returning to Charleston to start their family together. Randy was a member of the Chickasaw Nation, and intensely connected to his Native American heritage through faith and spirituality. He was also a well-known and respected mentor in the AA community, helping those who struggled with substance abuse. Always ready with a joke and smile, Randy was a neighbor and a friend to all who had the pleasure of crossing his path. Captain Randy began his career in the sportfishing industry in the 1980s, and soon became a local legend after winning the Big Rock Marlin Tournament in 1990. He operated dozens of yachts throughout his career, fishing the waters of the Caribbean, Central America, and East Coast. His freezers were always bountiful, and there were always more stories of the fish he landed than the ones that got away. Randy is survived by his wife, Linda, children, Roy Alexander & Lynn Marie, his son-in-law, William Miller, and grandchildren, Bodhi Shryock and Kai Hendrix. His sister, Linda Ragland Fisher, her daughter, Katy Fisher-Cunningham, husband, Brantley Cunningham, and daughter, Brantley Lois Cunningham (Tilly). There will be a celebration of life held at the Charleston Yacht Club (27 Lockwood Dr.) from 3-6pm on Sunday, September 7, 2025. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that charitable donations be made in his honor to support the local AA chapter or Lowcountry Maritime Preservation Organizations. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr Inc. - Downtown Chapel.