Michael V. Ragone

Dr. Michael V. Ragone  of Gainesville, passed away on Friday, December 22, 2017 after a long battle with a rare disease. 

Mike was born in Bronx, New York, which probably explains his love for the New York Yankees.  His family later moved to Queens, New York where Mike attended the prestigious Bronx High School of Science.  He later transferred to the local high school, where he played football.  After High School, he attended Queens College which he graduated Cum Laude, and went on to NYU College of Dentistry.

After graduation from NYU, Mike enlisted in the US Army Dental Corp.  His duty stations included Fort Benning, Fort Monmouth, Fort Hamilton and Camp Humphries in Korea.  He was honorably discharged attaining the rank of Major.  After working for a year and a half in private practice in NYC, he joined the practice of his brother Stephen Ragone in Gainesville, GA.

Mike enjoyed talking to his patient’s about current events, politics and history, he felt that this made dental treatment easier for them.  Mike was a member of Lakewood Baptist Church, where he volunteered in Kid’s Cove and later had the privilege of teaching Sunday School to the same group of boys grades 8 –11.

Mike enjoyed biblical discussions with his spiritual mentor Dr. Tom Smiley.  Mike was a member of several conservationist groups including: WWF, National Parks Association, NRA, a Charter member of the WWII Museum in New Orleans, as well as the Italian-American Heritage Foundation.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Michael V. and Marion V. Ragone Sr., Father and Mother-In Law; Robert C. and Frances McCracken and Brother-in-law, Steve McCracken.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 26 years, Patsy Ragone. Sons, Dylan and Brandon Ragone, brother; Stephen Ragone, Brother and Sister-In-Law, Aaron and Marcia Pirkle.  Nieces, Damaris and Daphne Ragone, Nieces and Nephews, Shaina and Daniel Cleveland and David and Dana Pirkle.  Sister-in-law, Rebecca McCrackin and Sister and Brother-in-law, Nancy and Roy Welborn.

The family wishes to thank the Lakewood Pastoral team, particularly, Dr. Jerry Gill, Dr. Don Ornsby, and Mr. Ed Albrecht for their support during his illness.  Mike would like to thank his loving neighbors: Kerry and Barry Moose, Bo and Beth Brooks, Henry and Lisa Lawson, Sandy and Neal Booth. In addition, he would also like to thank his friends, Mark and Shonda Sosebee, Bruce and Polly Eades, Fred Edens, Marco Cevallos, Ace Marshall, James Mansfield, Linda Stancil and his entire Dental Staff, and many more, as well as Patsy’s North Hall Middle School work family.

Visitation will be Thursday December 28, 2017 from 12-2 p.m. at Lakewood Baptist Church.  Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Lakewood Baptist Church, Dr. Tom Smiley and Dr. Jerry Gill officiating.  Interment to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to his two favorite charities; The United Services Organization (USO) or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com

Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Ga. 30501 is in charge of arrangements.