Cecil "C.J." Jesse Ravan

September 10, 1936 - January 31, 2026

Cecil Jesse Ravan “C.J.” 89 of Copper Hill passed away Saturday, January 31, 2026.

He was born September 10, 1936, in Inman, SC to the late Monroe and Annie Mae Bobo Ravan. C.J. was a proud 20-year veteran of the US Navy, where he received training to be an Optician, a career he loved and worked well into his 80s.

He was a loving husband and father, always there for family and friends. He lived a long and fulfilling life marked by love, kindness, and an unwavering work ethic. He loved to golf, fish, and spend time outdoors but his favorite thing was telling stories of the amazing life he’d lived. Hi favorite Navy stories involved his experiences making eyeglasses for several presidents going all the way back to Nixon. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife Judith Poff Ravan, brother and sister-in-law T.M. and Pauline Ravan, sister Betty Hensley, and grandson Quinton Stacey.

C.J. leaves behind his children: Judy (Rick) Baumann, Dale (Kim) Ravan, Vicki (Herman) Thomas, Josh Ravan, Erin (Eric) Ayers, and Jesse (Amber Lang) Ravan, along with 8 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandchildren. Also his best and longtime friend, Jimmy Coffey.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 3pm at Gardner Funeral Home. A private family interment will be at Restvale Cemetery at a later date. The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 7th from 1-3pm prior to the service.

I’m so sorry Josh. I’m always here to listen if you need a friend. Sarah Abbott Jackson

Uncle CJ was an icon and will be so missed. I’m thankful that I have about a million memories of him, and they make me smile.

Cecil was one of my 1st cousins. He was a great person and I will miss him. Prayers and condolences to his family and friends.

Cecil was a fine man, cousin, nephew and member of our Ravan family. He visited family in SC as often as he could, especially his Aunt Ruth, helping her to celebrate her 100th birthday in 2023 and later he made his way to SC for her homegoing service. He was one of her favorite nephews and we are sure that she greeted him with a big smile and hug.