Tod Ragsdale Obituary

Dr. Tod Anthony Ragsdale, 82, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2025, in Derwood, Maryland. A man of deep intellect, compassion, and unwavering dedication to global service, Tod left an indelible mark on the lives of countless individuals across the world.
Born on April 14, 1942, in Loma Linda, California, Tod's early years laid the foundation for a life defined by curiosity and purpose. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Berkeley in 1965. Shortly thereafter, he joined the Peace Corps and was stationed in Nepal—a transformative experience that not only shaped his worldview but also forged lifelong friendships.
Driven by a passion for education and social justice, Tod pursued advanced studies at Duke University, where he earned a PhD in Educational Anthropology. His academic achievements propelled him into a distinguished career as an international consultant specializing in resettlement and poverty alleviation. For over five decades, Tod worked with the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, traveling extensively throughout South and Southeast Asia. His work often focused on helping women in rural villages establish banks and businesses—initiatives that empowered communities affected by large-scale infrastructure projects such as road and dam construction.
Tod's professional legacy is matched only by his personal warmth and generosity. Known for his kind spirit and easy-going nature, he was deeply loved by those who knew him. He was intelligent yet humble, honest yet gentle—a man full of love and good will who found joy in laughter and connection.
Photography was one of Tod's great passions. With an intuitive eye for detail and empathy for his subjects, he captured images that told stories both profound and intimate. Whether documenting village life abroad or strolling through Washington, DC's Adams Morgan neighborhood snapping photos of architecture for his "My Walk" Facebook series, Tod used photography to celebrate beauty in everyday life.
Faith played a quiet but steady role throughout Tod's journey. Daily devotional readings were a source of strength and reflection for him. In later years especially, he found comfort in sharing experiences of faith, hope, and resilience with friends and family.
Tod cherished time spent at home with his loved ones. He is survived by his devoted wife Carol; his two sons Ian and Arton; grandchildren Lillian and Julian; sisters Laine and Nikki; and former wife Elizabeth. He was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Dorothy.
In 2015, just as he looked forward to enjoying retirement after decades of meaningful work abroad, Tod was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia—a cruel illness that gradually stole his ability to speak or understand language. Despite this heartbreaking decline over ten long years, the essence of who he was—his kindness, humor, and love—remained evident to those closest to him.
In honor of Tod's life and legacy, donations may be made to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration.
May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.
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