Who is ragpicker from Suttree and what is their importance?

Ragpicker is someone Suttree has known since childhood when he used to come to Suttree's mother and be given sandwiches. He lives in a state of complete destitution, searching for small ways to earn enough to sustain himself. He sleeps under debris and newspapers. Ragpicker, whom Suttree checks on and brings an occasional fish to, talks about death every time Suttree sees him. He is quite sane, but is very ready to die and clearly states that he has no idea what life is about or what he was supposed to do with it. When he meets with his God, he will ask him why he ever sent him down into this "crapshoot," but he doesn't think God will have an answer. He is an endearing figure who is valued by Suttree as a friend. The ragman always figured there was a God, but just never did like him.