Earl B Raglin

The Reverend Earl Brooks Raglin, 87, devoted husband of Anna Beasley Raglin for 69 years as of September 19, 2022, passed away peacefully in his home Saturday, January 14, 2023.

Rev. Raglin was born July 11, 1935 in Sugar Hill, Woodford County, Kentucky to the late Rev. John Henry and Susie Brooks Raglin. He was the sixth child among eight siblings; one sister, four older and two younger brothers. He attended Zion Hill Elementary and was a graduate of Ed Davis High School, Georgetown, KY. He received his Seminary degree graduating from the Chicago Seminary College. In his early teens, his first job was in the horse industry working with racehorses as a Groomsman at King Ranch Horse Farm located in Lexington KY. In his twenties, he sold insurance with The Supreme Life Insurance Company in Lexington, KY to be honored with an outstanding record of achievement rising to district manager position in 1980.

At an early age of ten in 1945 he accepted Christ and joined the Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Lenerson, Kentucky. He later served as President and Treasurer of the Young Adult Choir, Deacon at the church and acknowledged his calling to the Gospel ministry. In 1966, he succeeded Rev. G.D.Jackson as pastor for Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Sadieville, KY for 18 years. In January 1984, he became the pastor for Marble Creek Missionary Baptist Church. He remained in his role until retirement for 35 years. Under his leadership and humble guidance, the church introduced Bible Study, Vacation Bible School, van service, higher learning scholarships and building renovations to align with historical beginnings. He also involved the church in civic programs in the surrounding communities. In 2000, he was elected as President of the Howard’s Creek Church Convention and the Baptist Training Union.

In addition to his early years in ministering, Rev. Raglin & five other brothers were a highly sought-after gospel singing group known as the Raglin Brothers. They sang in several churches and gospel events throughout Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, Georgia and Michigan. Rev. Raglin played the lead “Fender” guitar in the band. In 1980, The group was recognized for their gospel music on the original PM Magazine television program.

Rev. Raglin was truly a servant of God living his life humbly and with grace. He pastored with love and compassion. He would spend hours with the Lord meditating, studying, writing, worshipping and praying. Although small in stature, he would light up the church with fire preaching the Gospel and saving souls. With his wife, Anna by his side, they truly “had a little talk with Jesus” every day. Today we know a little light from heaven is filling his soul, his heart is bathed in love and he is walking with his friend, Jesus.

Besides his loving wife, Anna he leaves to celebrate his life, five children: Betty Ann Gossey (late Willie Gossey), Earl H Raglin Sr (Michele), Deloris (late Freddie Patterson), David Raglin (Cynthia), Duane Raglin (Annie); his brother Rev. Floyd Raglin (Ollie), sister-in-laws; Mary Joyce Raglin (late James Raglin) and Alice Mae Taylor (Russell), god-daughter Carol Galloway, and 12 grandchildren & 15 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by sister Argie Mae Shackelford, and brothers John C. Raglin, Rev. Thomas E. Raglin, Rev. James E. Raglin, Rev. Robert L. Raglin, and Rev. Bennie O. Raglin

The visitation will be held on Saturday, January 21st from 11am-1pm at Consolidated Baptist Church Lexington, KY with funeral service to follow. Internment after the service will be held at Evergreen Memory Gardens Lexington KY.

In honor of his legacy, memorial donations may be directed to https://www.smithandsmithfuneralhome.com
 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Earl B Raglin, please visit our floral store.