Ragan, Sam, 1915-1996

Samuel Talmadge Ragan (1915-1996) was managing and executive editor of the "News and Observer" (Raleigh, N.C.), 1948-1969; editor and publisher of "The Pilot" (Southern Pines, N.C.), 1969-1996; award-winning poet; writing teacher; and supporter of the arts in North Carolina. Ragan served as the first secretary of the North Carolina Department of Art, Culture, and History from 1972 to 1973. In 1982, he was named Poet Laureate of the state of North Carolina by Governor James B. Hunt. He was also chair of the North Carolina Arts Council, chair of the North Carolina Writers' Conference, and president of the Friends of Weymouth, which operates the Weymouth Center for Arts and Humanities in Southern Pines. Ragan died at his home in Southern Pines on 11 May 1996.

From the description of Sam Ragan papers, 1950-1996. WorldCat record id: 31069844