Charles H. Ragan

Charles Harry Ragan, 86, of Seminole, Florida passed away peacefully on July 4, 2026 in the company of loved ones.

Born on September 30, 1939 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he grew up in the East Falls neighborhood and graduated from Roxborough High School. He enlisted in the Army, later worked as a forklift mechanic, and owned and operated a bicycle and skateboard shop in Hatboro, Pennsylvania.

Charlie was a banjo prodigy from a young age and was a member of Uptown and Greater Kensington String Bands in Philadelphia. After relocating to St. Petersburg, Florida in the 1970s, he continued sharing his love of music through solo performances, becoming a familiar and beloved presence at the St. Petersburg Pier, local beach venues, and cherished gatherings with family.

He will be remembered for his willingness to help anyone in need, his knack for fixing just about anything, and his unwavering love of the Tampa Bay Rays.

He is survived by his longtime companion Irene Hust; his children David Ragan (Melissa), Suzanne Smalenberger, Andrew Ragan (Kim), Steven Ragan (Celeste), and Jill Schwidel (Carey); his grandchildren Kaitlyn Peitz, Sydney Bateman, Olivia Ragan, Matthew Ragan, and Rose Ragan; and his great-grandchildren Beau Bateman, Charlie Bateman, Emerson Peitz, and Elliot Peitz. He is also survived by his sister Barbara Garrison, several nieces and nephews, and Dixie Grassl, the mother of his children. He was preceded in death by his parents Harry and Dorothy Ragan and his sisters Joan Schindler and Dorothy Watson.