Ronald Reagan

Ronald Earl Reagan, 81, of Abilene, TX, passed away peacefully on November 27, 2023, in Abilene, surrounded by his loving family.

Ron was born in Big Spring, TX to Earl T. Reagan and Geneva (Langley) Reagan.  He attended school at Big Spring High School and graduated in 1961. He attended Howard College in Big Spring, TX. He married Charlotte Stevens Raughton on November 11, 1982, in Dallas, TX.

A man of faith, Ron was a charter member of the Baptist Temple Church of Big Spring.

Ron learned his work ethics at an early age. Around the age of 11 he was a paperboy, delivering papers beginning at 4:30 in the morning before school. He had a goal and was very dedicated earning enough money to buy his first motorcycle. Later he was one of the first hired by the Gibson Discount Center. In his teen years he was hired by the new Burger Chef and was able to buy his first “new car” …a 1961 Corvair. While attending college Ron was recruited by Zales Jewelry Corporation and began as a manager trainee. He worked his way up to Assistant Manager, later becoming Manager at several locations in Texas and New Mexico, promoted to District Manager after winning several major Sales Awards. He was responsible for multiple stores in Texas and remained with Zales for fifteen years. In 1981 Ron moved to Abilene, TX to join his brother in the private sector, then relocating to Dallas, TX in 1987 until 1995, remaining in the Jewelry business. Ron owned and operated Ronald Reagan Jewelers in Abilene. TX before retiring in 2000. He didn’t care much for retirement and moved back to Big Spring, TX to be closer to his ailing parents, eventually taking on full responsibility for his mother’s 24-hour care until her passing. Ron was always a car man and he decided to pursue his second love, the car business. Ron joined the sales team at Pollard Cadillac, Buick, and Chevrolet in Big Spring, TX where he remained until 2009.  Ron and wife Charlotte then retired to Lake Ft. Phantom in Abilene, TX.                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his son Randall (Randy) Earl Reagan.

Ron is survived by his wife of 41 years Charlotte Stevens Reagan, his children Richard Reagan of Wichita Falls, TX, Steve Raughton and wife Melissa of Kingsland, TX, Greg Raughton and wife Sharla of Abilene, TX, Jennifer Reagan of San Angelo, TX, and Alex Reagan of Kyoto, Japan, and partner Reo Watanabe. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Kari Reagan Jester and husband Drew, Amiee Reagan, Ashleigh Reagan, Hunter Reagan, Macoy Raughton, Maggie Raughton, Lyric Stilwell, Dustin Cooper, Jennifer Weatherford and husband Ben, as well as three great grandchildren Julia Cooper, Bryson Weatherford and Finley Jayne Jester who was born on Ron’s birthday one year ago.  His survivors also include his brother Donnie Reagan of Abilene, TX and sister Treonne Phillips and husband Terry of San Antonio, TX. Nieces Eric Reagan Frazier and husband Blake, Heather Reagan Taher and husband Sam.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Diabetes Foundation.

The family wishes to extend our heartfelt thanks and deepest gratitude to Ron’s unbelievable ICU nurse Maria Saucho who cared for him as if he were her own father, as well as tending to the comfort and wellbeing of the entire family which included lots of hugs and praying with us during the difficult days in ICU, and thank you to Dr. Wojo for her brilliant mind, medical expertise, concern, and care she gave Ron. To the entire ICU care team, please accept our sincere gratitude for the dedicated work you do every day.

Family memorial will follow in December upon the return of Alex Reagan from Japan.