Sam Ragan Rank
About Sam Ragan
Samuel Talmadge Ragan, famously called Sam Ragan, was arguably North Carolina’s most influential journalist, poet, and writer in the 20th century. Dubbed the “literary godfather” of North Carolina, he was a leading man of letters in the state for over fifty years.
Background & Education
He was a native of Granville County, North Carolina. He attended Atlantic Christian College (presently Barton College), graduating in 1936.
Career
His earliest job in journalism was reporting for the “San Antonio Evening News.” He later moved to “The Raleigh News & Observer,” where he wrote his trademark weekly newspaper “Southern Accent,” which became the USA’s longest-running newspaper column, appearing in over forty states and more than twenty foreign countries.
He purchased “The Pilot” newspaper in 1969 and served as publisher and editor until his death. He was the first secretary and first chairman of North Carolina’s “Department of Cultural Resources.”
He taught journalism and creative writing at several American institutions and received various honorary doctorates from them. He also contributed to establishing the “Weymouth Center for the Arts and Humanities,” and “The North Carolina School of the Arts.”
Personal Life & Death
He was a devoted Presbyterian and a Democratic Party member. He was married to Marjorie Usher for 56 years.
He died in 1996, after a short illness.
Sam Ragan Rank
Viewers of Sam Ragan, also viewed
F.A.Q. about Sam Ragan
When is his birthday?
Sam Ragan's birthday is on December 31, 1915.
In how many days is his birthday?
Sam's birthday is in 250 days
How old was Sam when he died?
He was 80 years old.
When did he die?
He died in May 11, 1996.
How old would he be today?
Sam Ragan would be 108 years old if he was alive today.
Where was Sam from?
He was born in Berea, North Carolina, U.S..