Mr. Arthur Joe "AJ" Ragland

Mr. Arthur Joe Ragland began his journey on August 17, 1958, in Talladega, Alabama, to Bettye Elston and Jonathan Ragland. He was preceded in death by his father, Jonathan Ragland, brothers, Marlon Arnold and Darryl Franklin and sisters, Carla Gardner and Dana Smith. At an early age, he accepted Christ and joined St. Mary's Baptist Church in Lincoln, Alabama. In 1969, he relocated to Kansas City, Missouri, with his mother and sister. He attended D.A. Holmes Elementary School, Central Junior High School, and Central High School. He later attended Job Corps of Kansas City, where he earned his General Educational Development (GED). Arthur subsequently joined the United States Army and received an Honorable Discharge. Following his military service, he held several positions throughout his career. He also attended Penn Valley Community College, where he pursued studies in Arts and Music. Arthur loved modeling and often declared that he had the " It Factor." He had a deep love for poetry, singing, two-stepping, playing dominoes, bid whist, and nearly any card game he knew he could win. He enjoyed football and was a devoted Kansas City Chiefs fan. He could also be found cheering for his father's favorite team, the Alabama Crimson Tide. On May 22, 2026, the Lord called him home. Though he has departed this earthly life, his legacy, laughter, and love will continue to live on through those who knew and loved him. Precious memories will forever live on in the hearts of his beloved parents, Bettye and Lawrence Whitley, and Lillian Ragland; his children, April Cowan (Christopher) and Brandi Beavers, both of Kansas City, MO; Antwan J. Ragland (Hannah), Minneapolis, MN; his siblings, Cynthia A. Ragland-Smith (Carson) and Tyrone Smith, both of Kansas City, MO, Cornechia Devette Arnold, Pamela Walton (Jeffrey) and Latory Arnold, all of Anniston, AL and Brian Franklin, Cameron, MO; his grandchildren, Dayton, Amara, Andrae, Dakota, Persephone, and Nova; bonus family, John and Kay Brown, Vivian "Niecey" Rogers, Edna Adelusola and Tony Brown, a host of uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family and friends. Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 8, 2026, 10:30am at the Watkins Heritage Chapel. Interment Leavenworth National Cemetery. Visitation from 9:00am-10:30am at the chapel. Services conducted by Lawrence A. Jones Funeral Homes & Cremation. Condolences may be shared on our website.

Mr. Arthur Joe "AJ" Ragland

August 17, 1958 - June 1, 2026