Bennie Evans Ragland was born on December 3, 1948, to Richard (R.D.) and Safronia Ragland in Florence, Alabama. Bennie received his formal education at Burrell Slater High School. After graduating, he served proudly in the U.S. Army from 1969 - 1971, including the Vietnam War

Bennie accepted Christ as his savior at an early age at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. On February 9, 2018, Bennie united in holy matrimony to Darlene Brown in Florence, Alabama.

Upon his return, he made Syracuse, New York, his home. There, he worked tirelessly for the department of Public Works for over 20 years. He enjoyed spending time with family, his dogs, karate, and roller skating. Bennie returned to Alabama after the passing of his father (R.D.) to care for his mother (Safronia), where his love for fishing and outdoors was restored.

Bennie departed this life on May, 16 2018. He was preceded in death by his parents, R.D. and Safronia Ragland, brothers, Richard Jr. (infant), and Emanuel Ragland, and sisters, Deborah Ragland and Evelyn Ragland-Watkins.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife, Darlene Ragland; his daughter, Breanna Berg; two stepdaughters, Patrecka and Kyiaya; two grandchildren; nieces, Felicia, Charlene, Latoya, nephews, Malik, Troy, Shawn, Shane and Emanuel Jr.; two special friends, Jerry Brown and Bessie Cusack; and a favorite brother-in-law, Charles Watkins.