It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of my father, William Roger Ravan, fondly known to us as Roger. Born in Gainesville, Georgia on September 5, 1956, Roger spent 67 wonderful years in Lula, Georgia, where he became a steadfast pillar of the community, known for his humor, inspiration, dependability, and unwavering support. Roger was not just a father, but a confidant, mentor, and the best friend anyone could ask for. His infectious laughter and endless supply of funny stories never failed to lighten our hearts, reminding us of the joy in every moment. His inspiring nature was evident in the way he lived his life, always striving for the best and encouraging us to do the same. In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, "The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well." And live well, Roger did. He worked diligently in the transportation industry, retiring from SCC Paving in 2020, and was a passionate outdoorsman, with hunting and fishing among his favorite pastimes. However, what mattered most to Roger was his family. His caring and supportive role in our lives was a testament to his love, and his reliable presence provided a comforting sense of stability that we could always count on. Roger is survived by his daughter Brandie and son-in-law Frank Cabral, his grandson Loden Ravan, his partner Joyce Dills, his brother-in-law Dick Wiley, his sisters Linda Wiley and Jan Ravan, and his daughter Brittany Smith. He was preceded in death by his father W.L. Ravan, his mother Myrtleen Ravan, and his brother Wayne Ravan. We are comforted knowing that Roger is now reunited with his loved ones who passed before him. Please join us as we celebrate Roger's life and remember the many ways he touched ours. A gathering of friends and family will take place on Thursday, November 16, 2023, at 2:00pm at the Cleveland Funeral Home, located at 2721 U.S. 129, Cleveland, Georgia, 30528. A memorial service will follow at 5:00pm at the same location. In honor of Roger's memory, we invite you to share your favorite stories, photos, and memories of him on his memorial page. Your contributions will serve as a lasting tribute to the remarkable man Roger was and the indelible impact he had on all of us.
