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From: Wyn Achenbaum <>
Subject: Obituary with Ragsdale cousins
Date: Sat, 27 Aug 2005 18:51:47 -0400
References: <200508271101.j7RB1ra92933@mailout.fastq.com>
In-Reply-To: <002501c5ab30$e674c780$5d354ed8@mom>


This obituary appeared in my local paper (Stamford Advocate, Stamford, CT)
today, and there are some Ragsdale cousins mentioned.

GARLAND LONG

born in South Boston, Virginia, on October 13, 1924. He departed this life
on August 25, 2005. He was the middle child of three children born to
Carson and Fannie Long. Garland began his early education in the Stamford,
CT. Public School system, beginning in kindergarten. He graduated from
Stamford High School in 1942, and then went on to complete an accelerated
course at State Trade School, currently known as Wright Technical School,
in 1943.

On June 17, 1950, Garland was united in holy matrimony to the love of his
life, Geraldine Walker, following a period of courtship which began while
she was attending Illinois Wesleyan University, and later Roosevelt College
in Chicago, IL. They were married at the Union Baptist Church, located on
Adams Ave., by the late Rev. I. Logan Kearse, and were blessed with 52
years together as husband and wife.

Garland accepted Christ as his savior and was baptized in 1938 at the same
church he has held membership in his entire life. Rev. B.L. Matthews was
Pastor of Union Baptist Church at that time. Garland participated in
numerous ministries and auxiliaries at Union during his lifetime. He was a
member of the Board of Trustees, The Sanctuary Choir, Co-Chairman of
Finance Committee, The Men's Chorus, The Planning Committee, and Grounds
Committee. Garland had a long and fulfilling career with the Burndy
Corporation where he began his employment in 1955 as a Machinist, Plant
Supervisor, and eventually progressed to being responsible for the entire
Plant Operation, during the second shift until his retirement in 1986.

He has been active and held membership in civic and community organizations
including, The Masonic Lodge F&AM Prince Hall affiliation, receiving a
fifty year pin from the organization and he was an Emeritus member of the
Connecticut Chapter of the Guardsman. Garland had a keen interest in
gardening, photography, sports, music, and loved to record historical events.

He was known by many for his easy going manner and a sense of humor, but
more so for being compassionate and giving to both friends and strangers
who were in need. Both he and his wife were widely known for their
generosity and outreach to all who came into contact with them. Whenever
they saw a new face an invitation of friendship was extended.

Garland is predeceased by a brother, the Rev. Harold Long, Pastor Emeritus
of the Church of The Open Door, Miami, Fla., who is also a son of Union
Baptist Church. He is survived by a number of cousins, Lillian Morton; Dr.
William Fitzgerald; Mark Long; Debra Stanley; Rowena Fitzgerald; George
Ragsdale; Alfred Ragsdale; Wilbert Ragsdale and a host of friends
throughout the country.

Published in the Stamford Advocate on 8/27/2005.

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