James Edgar "Red" Ragsdale

James Edgar “Red” Ragsdale, of Hurst, Texas, passed away on Friday, June 12, 2026, at the age of 92.

James was born on June 27, 1933, in San Saba, Texas to Roy and Sadie (Ross) Ragsdale. He was a direct descendent of David Matsler, one of the first settlers of San Saba County in 1856. 

His father gave him the nickname “Red” after seeing his newborn, red-haired son for the first time. Growing up, he graduated from San Saba High School and then attended Tarleton State University for 2 years before going on to honorably serve in the US Army from January 1954 to January 1956. While enlisted, he attended Army Aviation School in Fort Sill, Oklahoma where he became an aircraft mechanic. During his active service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and continued his service in the Army Reserve until 1961.

Following his military service, Red embarked on a dedicated career at Bell Helicopter as a Loftsman, where he worked from 1956 until 1988. His work ethic and dedication were evident in his long tenure with the company.

Red was a loving and caring individual, known for his hardworking and faithful nature. He deeply loved his family and was always ready to lend a helping hand. His commitment to his faith was also evident in his involvement in the First United Methodist Church of Hurst, where he was a member. He also was an active brother of the Masonic fraternity for 71 years and loved to volunteer at the Shrine Circus.

Music played a significant role in Red's life. He was skilled with the guitar, harmonica, and accordion.  He always had his guitar near and loved the opportunities to sing with family and friends especially around campfires.  Later in life he found great joy in playing and singing at local community jam sessions. 

He is preceded in death by spouses, Beth Hart and Wanda Bradford; son, James Ray Ragsdale; parents, Roy and Sadie Ragsdale; siblings, Oleta Connor, Nettie Oma Carpenter, and Joe Ragsdale.

Those left behind to cherish his memory are his daughters and their spouses, Teresa Heartsfield and Gary, Lisa Farrell and Mike, Kim Hidalgo and John; grandchildren and spouses, Greg Heartsfield and Alex, Jason Heartsfield and Wren, Lindsey Nelson and Chad, Brian Farrell, Rachel Selby and Ben, Paul Farrell and Valerie, Sarah Farrell, Hunter Barker, Kayla Barker; great-grandchildren, Leighton, Aubryn, and Fallyn Selby, Everette and Jasper Farrell, Elijah Farrell-Branscum, Ada and Isaac Heartsfield, Phoenix Fuhrman; along with nieces, nephews, extended family members, and loving friends. 

A visitation service will be held from 5:00-7:00pm on Monday, June 22, 2026, at Forest Ridge Funeral Home, 8525 Mid Cities Blvd., North Richland Hills, Texas 76182. A Memorial Service will be held the following day, Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 10:00am at First United Methodist Church of Hurst, 521 W. Pipeline Rd., Hurst, TX 76053 with a graveside service beginning at 2:00pm at Eastland City Cemetery, 500 S. Marsh St., Eastland TX 76448.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Shriners Children's in Red’s memory, as this was a cause that was near and dear to his heart.