Wayne Stephen Ragland , April 18, 1954 — September 22, 2018

RAGLAND, Wayne Stephen Pocono Summit, PA – Wayne Stephen Ragland, 64, passed away September 22, 2018. Born in Queens, New York on April 18, 1954 to Arthur and Nathalie (Lewis) Ragland. The birth and death dates of Wayne are not nearly as relevant as all the days and nights that he lived to the fullest in between.

He is survived by his Mother Nathalie, Daughter Kisha, significant other Carol Walgenwitt, two Sisters Renee and Denise, Niece Kinda, Nephews Jawara and Justin, former wife Maureen (Muffy) and many cousins and friends. He liked bananas because they have appeal. He loved music from a very young age, playing drums every morning before school.

Excellence showed in all he did as he attended St. Clements Elementary and St. John’s Preparatory High School and received scholarships to West Point and Annapolis. Graduate of Queens College with two Bachelor’s Degrees (one in Mathematics, one Computer Science). He had a great love and respect for learning, books, libraries and yes MUSIC!

He began playing guitar at age nine and received his first professional instrument (a Gibson ES335 which he still owned) from his uncle, Leon Lewis at age 13. His guitar playing style was likened to that of Wes Montgomery. Wayne has had the opportunity to work with Chubby Checker, Anthony Jackson (Michel Camilo), Carlos Alomar (David Bowie), The Pretenders, Joe Simon, Ben E. King, The Drifters, Johnny Thunder and Rudy Clark among others.

Started his publishing company (COMLAB Music) in 1992 and acquired AIP Recording studios in 2001. A prolific writer and producer with a catalog of over 60 songs and instrumental pieces and several albums, he received a Gold Record for “Light of the Moon” on The Pretenders album Get Close. He had fans all over the world.

Wayne played classical guitar, acoustic 6 and 12 string (which can be heard on “Tears” from his album Spacewalk,) jazz, rock and blues; 4-5 and 6 string electric fretted and fretless basses, drums and keyboards. He enjoyed silly British comedies, cooking (and eating), old movies, his dogs and corny jokes. A beloved son and father, a true brother, kind, generous-hearted friend, an encourager, a mentor, instructor, an interesting thinker, and bit of a weirdo.

A graveside service will be at 9:00 a.m., Friday, October 5, 2018, at Belleview City Cemetery, Belleview, FL. Arrangements are under the care of Countryside Funeral Home, Anthony, Florida.

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