Raymond C. Barragan, age 71, founder of Golden Memorial Insurance and Barragan Insurance Marketing passed away in Salinas. Ray started his insurance career in 1962 and instantly became a top producer. He was ready for another challenge and soon started recruiting other agents. This was the start of Golden Memorial Insurance Agency. Today the agency consists of more than 300 agents from California to West Virginia. The agency has been the top agency of Lincoln Heritage Life for the last two decades. He served on the board of directors of Londen Insurance Group. The Golden Memorial Insurance Agency was his pride and joy. The passion Ray had for his business was the secret of his success. He had a competitive but friendly drive that led to success in both his professional and personal lives.
Ray was born in Los Angeles to the late Narciso and Luz Barragan. He graduated from King City High School and attended Gavilan College. He entered the US Army in 1954. He was marred to the love of his life, Mary Ann, for 46 fulfilling years. Together they raised three wonderful children. Ray was an avid football and baseball fan. He was a Los Angeles Dodger and Oakland Raiders fan who loved to watch the games with his children and grandchildren. He also served on the board of directors of Gilroy Little League and Gilroy Pop Warner (where he served as both coach and game announcer). He had a passion for his garden where he grew many organic fruits and vegetables. Every day after work you would find him on his tractor and tending to his crops. Ray loved his car collection which included a 1951 Mercury and a 1935 Plymouth. He traveled to many parts of the world with great enthusiasm. One of his favorite countries was Austria.
His family was Ray’s priority and he was a very loving husband, father and grandfather. Ray is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Barragan of Hollister, his children, Ann Marie Burns and her husband, Robert of Hollister, J.R. Barragan of Chowchilla and Andrew Barragan of Hollister. He is also survived by his eight grandchildren, Nicholas Barragan, Nathan Barragan, Natalia Barragan, Marina Barragan, Marianna Barragan Burns, Alek and Aimee Barragan and Drew Barragan. He also leaves behind two great grandchildren, Allissandra and Caleb Barragan. He is survived by two sisters, Ester Espinoza of Southgate and Mollie Taylor of Sonora.
Friends can pay their respects on Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2008 from 1:00 P..M. until 5:30 P.M. at Black Cooper Sander Funeral Home. Mr. Barragan will be taken to St. Benedict’s Church at
5:30 P.M. and visitation will continue. The Rosary will be at 7:00 P.M. Tues. evening at the church. The Mass will be at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, Feb. 13th, at St. Benedict’s Church. Friends can gather at the funeral home for a procession to the church at 9:15 A.M. Entombment will follow the Mass at Calvary Cemetery in Hollister.
The Barragan family requests donations be made to Sacred Heart Parish School, 670 College St. Hollister, CA 95023.
