John Gails Ragsdale, Sr. (1897-1976) was born in Shuler-Cairo (Union County) Arkansas. After attending a one-room country school, he entered the University of Arkansas and graduated in 1919. He later served for fourteen years on the University's Board of Trustees and was president of the Board at one time. After his graduation from the law school of Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Virginia, in 1923, Ragsdale practiced law in El Dorado, Arkansas. He served as an attorney for Lion Oil Company (El Dorado) from 1942 to 1962, and was United States Commissioner from 1934 to 1971. Ragsdale was a member of the Union County, state of Arkansas, and the American Bar Associations, and was admitted to practice in all local courts and the Supreme Court of the United States.

Ragsdale participated in many civic activities, particularly the Boy Scouts of America, the El Dorado Kiwanis Club, and the El Dorado United Campaign. He served as County Chairman of the American Red Cross for 15 years. Ragsdale was ardent supporter of the Arkansas Razorbacks and frequently represented the University of Arkansas on the Cotton Bowl Athletic Association.