Bedford County, VA - RAMSEY Obits Submitted for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Lynne Rush Hundley ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net ************************************************************************ Ramsey Obituary and Funeral Notices – listed in alphabetical order by first name. [Newspaper clippings – without newspaper name or date. Originals belong to Mary Ramsey Venable of Bedford, VA. Photocopies in possession of Lynne Rush Hundley, Portsmouth, VA.] Veteran Answers Last Call [on the same page another obituary refers to a death Jan. 11, 1932, and 4-H Club demonstrations are set for Monday, Jan. 18-Friday, Jan. 22.] Mr. Calvin J. Ramsey, Confederate veteran and prominent Bedford citizen, died in the Jefferson hospital, Roanoke, Saturday night, following an operation [for the] removal of gall stones. The operation was performed Wednesday and he appeared to be on the road to recovery, but grew worse Friday and death released him from suffering the following day. Several years ago Mr. Ramsey was critically ill from the trouble which finally caused his death, but recovered and enjoyed remarkably good health until a few weeks ago when the old trouble returned, and he was taken to the hospital for treatment. When told that an operation was necessary and that it might end fatally, he unhesitatingly accepted the situation and welcomed the relief the operation would bring one way or the other, for while he had a strong desire to live, he had no fear of death. Mr. Ramsey was 85 years old and was born in Rockbridge county, coming to Bedford with his parents when a small boy, and most of his long life was spent in this county. When a boy only about sixteen years old he entered the Confederate army in a Bedford company and carried to his grave a wound received in battle. A bullet shattered the bone in one of his limbs juts [cq] below the knee and during all the remaining years of his life the wound never entirely healed and but for his strong constitution might have caused death early in life. Several years ago this old wound became so painful that he went to a hospital for treatment and it was feared the limb would have to be amputated, but in the surgeon went into the wound instead and found, not only pieces of the bullet, but fragments of cloth from his uniform which had been embedded in the bone for nearly sixty years. Following their removal the wound gave him very little more trouble and he enjoyed better health than he had for many years. For some years after the war Mr. Ramsey engaged in farming and later came to Bedford and went into the mercantile business, in which he remained until his retirement from active life some years ago. He was an active and consistent member of the Baptist church, faithful in his attendance at all services, generous and loyal in his support of the church and all moral causes, and strict in his observance of all Christian principles, he possessed to an unusual degree the respect and confidence of his fellowmen, and the high place he held in the esteem of Bedford people was evidenced by the large congregation which attended his funeral and the many expression [cq] of sorrow and regret heard over his death. Mr. Ramsey is survived by the following children: Messrs. Walter G. and Charles C. Ramsey, Mrs. W. R. Walters, Mrs. Nannie Smith and Miss Elizabeth Ramsey, all of Bedford, and Mrs. F. J. Moore, of Norfolk. His wife preceded him to the grave several years ago. The funeral service was held at the Baptist church Monday afternoon at 3 o’ clock and was conducted by the pastor, Dr. H. P. Clause, assisted by Rev. W. E. Thomas, of the Methodist church, and burial was in Longwood cemetery. Active pallbearers were J. W. Gillaspie, H. G. Burks, H. P. Walker, G. A. Miller, Sr., R. Q. Lowry and W. R. Dooley. Honorary pallbearers and flowerbearers were M. P. Rucker, F. Ford, L. O. Goode, G. B. Spradlin, B. A. Rucker, M. E. Patterson, W. L. Lyle, O. A. Nichols, J. W. Ballard, E. W. Wingfield, J. A. Rucker, J. M. Daniel, James McIntyre, Robert Overstreet and E. A. Overstreet. Charles C. Ramsey Charles Calvin Ramsey, 74, retired business man, died unexpectedly early Sunday morning at his home on Otey Street. Born here February 13, 1880, he was a son of the late Calvin Johnson Ramsey and Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth Powell Ramsey. For a number of years Mr. Ramsey operated a cafe in Lynchburg and when he disposed of this business several year ago he returned to Bedford to make his home. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Mary Johnson Ramsey; one daughter, Mrs. T. E. Reynolds, both of Bedford; three sisters, Miss Elizabeth Ramsey, of Culpeper; Mrs. F. J. Moore, of Norfolk, and Mrs. W. R. Walters, of Greensboro, N. C. Funeral services were conducted from the Bedford Baptist Church at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday by the Rev. A. G. Carter, with burial in Oakwood Cemetery. Active Pallbearer were six nephews of the deceased, Albert and Glenn Ramsey, Irvin Moore, John, Allen and Henry Smith. G. A. Ramsey Dies After Long Illness [handwritten date: Thurs. 3-31-55] Glenwood Armistead Ramsey, 42 years old, died in the Bedford County Memorial Hospital Monday after an illness of many months. Mr. Ramsey was a popular and respected figure in the life of Bedford. He served for many years in the electrical department of the town, and in later years with his brother Albert H. Ramsey, he conducted the Ramsey Electrical Company. He was born in Bedford County, son of Mrs. Lelia V. Ramsey and the late Walter G. Ramsey. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Gibbs Ramsey; two daughters, Misses Glenda and Marcia Ramsey of Bedford; his mother, Mrs. W. G. Ramsey of Bedford; a brother, Albert H. Ramsey of Bedford; and three sisters, Mrs. Harry Venisky and Mrs. C. W. Venable of Bedford and Mrs. Ruby Saunders of Richmond. He was an active member of the Bedford Life Saving Crew, the Bedford Baptist Church, the Liberty Masonic Lodge and the Knights of Pythias. Funeral services were conducted Tuesday afternoon from the Ramsey home on East Main Street by the Rev. A. G. Carter of Danville, former pastor of the Bedford Baptist Church; the Rev. P. C., Helmintoller, Jr., pastor of Main Street Methodist Church; Dr. J. H. Gray, pastor emeritus of the Bedford Presbyterian Church; and the Rev. G. William Beale, rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church. Burial was in the Bedford Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Robert Pollard, Harold Goode, Hampton Waldron, Lloyd Goode, Lloyd Watson, C. O. U[p]dike, Robert F. Johnson [and] Reginald Garr[aghty]. Death Of Young Man News was received here yesterday afternoon of the death in Washington of Dr. Harry Ramsey, the sad tidings coming almost as a complete surprise to his family as they had learned only a few hours before the message arrived that his condition was critical. Tuesday a letter was received by his father, Mr. C. J. Ramsey, dictated by the deceased, saying that he was not well and the barracks physician had advised that he go to a hospital where he could receive better attention. The letter stated that he was not critically ill and for the family not be to alarmed. Early Wednesday afternoon a telegram was received saying he was seriously ill and his brother, Mr. Walter Ramsey, was at the depot here to catch No. 26 for Washington when the news of his death came. None of the messages conveyed any intimation of the disease which caused his death, and no particulars could be learned. The body will be brought here for burial and is expected to arrive today, but no arrangements have been made for the funeral. Dr. Ramsey was a native of this place, where practically all of his life was spent with the exception of the time he was in college. At the time he was inducted into the army last summer he was employed as a pharmacist by W. L. Lyle, with whom he had been associated for many years. He was never v[ery] strong physically and went to the army as a limited service man. However, life in camp seemed very beneficial, and on his last visit home he appeared in better health than at any time during his life. Dr. Ramsey was known and highly esteemed by hundreds of people in Bedford, his courteous manner and spirit of good fellowship making him a favorite with everyone, and the news of his death was received here with many expressions of sorrow and regret, and his aged parents and brothers and sisters have the sincere sympathy of the people of the community. Besides his parents, he is survived by the following brothers and sisters: Messrs. Walter and Charlie Ramsey, Mrs. Samuel Smith and Mrs. Lizzie Ramsey, of Bedford; Mrs. Moore of Ohio, and Mrs. Walters of Bramwell, W.Va. Funeral of Dr. Harry S. Ramsey The funeral services of Dr. Harry S. Ramsey took place from his late home on Market Street, Saturday morning, conducted by Dr. Hugh C. Smith, assisted by Rev. J. H. Grey, Dr. Reed and Dr. J. A. G Shipley. The interment took place in Oakwood Cemetery at 11 o’clock. The following gentlemen, boyhood friends of the deceased, acted as pall bearers, Miller Overstreet, Guy Miller, Steward D. Gills, Gordon Synan, Allen Foster, and George Luck. The floral tributes were many and beautiful, bearing evidence of the high esteem in which the deceased was held by many friends. The following out-of-town relatives were here to attend the funeral: Allen Foster and Mrs. Lenore Gillette, of Washington, Mr. and Mrs. Walters and Mrs. Amy Craft, of Bramwell, W. Va., Mr. and Mrs. Moore, and daughter, of Cincinnati; Miss Mabel Smith, of Norfolk. Funeral of Mrs. C. J. Ramsey The funeral service of Mrs. C. J. Ramsey was conducted from the residence on Market street, last Thursday afternoon, by Rev. J. Lester Lane. Mrs. Ramsey’ s death followed a ten day’s [cq] illness of paralysis. She was 80 year [cq] of age and a lifelong was 80 years of age and a lifelong [line is repeated in the original] member of the Baptist Church, taking a deep and active interest in church work. She was a native of Bedford, and was Miss Sallie Powell before marriage. Her husband and the following children survive: Walter G. Ramsey, Mrs. W. R. Walters, Mrs. Sam Smith and Miss Lizzie Ramsey, of Bedford; Mrs. F. J. Moore, of Norfolk, and Charlie Ramsey, of West Virginia. She is also survived by three sisters and one brother as follows: Mrs. Bert Hackworth, Mrs. Emma Duncan and William Powell, of Mason City, Iowa, and Mrs. Allen Foster, of Washington, D. C. Mrs. Ramsey had for many years been a consistent member of the Bedford Baptist church, and whenever her strength permitted, an attendant on all its services. A splendid Christian character, gentle and retiring by nature, she shone brightest in her home, a faithful wife, a good mother, a loyal friend, best loved by those who knew her best. Some years ago she lost by death two splendid young sons, and while there was no rebellion in her heart, and she bowed in humble submission to the will of her heavenly Father, she never quite recovered from the loss, and looked forward to the time when she could be with them again. For her, "To live was Christ, but to die was gain." Active pallbearers were R. E. White, T. H. Nance, H. P. Walker, H. G. Burks, J. M. Meador and E. A Overstreet. Honorary pallbearers were G. M. Wigington, T. W. Richardson, R. Q. Lowry, M. P. Rucker, J. W. Ballard, Miller Overstreet, S. H. Saunders, W. R. Dooley, and J. W. Hopkins. Flowerbearers were Mrs. E. A. Overstreet, Mrs. M. P. Carder, Mrs. E. W. Wingfield, Mrs. Willie Layne, Mrs. Victor Nichols, Mrs. O. P. Foster, Mrs. Will Carter, Mrs. G. A. Miller, Mrs. A. H. Dooley, Mrs. W. R. Dooley, Mrs. J. A. Fizer, Mrs. M. L. Overstreet, Mrs. J. H. Meador, Mrs. Ira Watson, Mrs. P. D. Fisher, Mrs. S. I. Griffin, Miss Blanche Tolley, and Miss Edith Harwood. W.G. RAMSEY DIES AT HOME THIS MORNING Prominent Hardware Merchant of Bedford Victim of Heart Attack [hand written notation ’37 – or ‘57] Walter G. Ramsey, hardware merchant and prominent citizen of Bedford, died about 2 o’clock this morning at his home on East Main street, following a very brief illness. He became ill during the night, and complained of what he supposed was indigestion, and death resulted half an hour later from what was probably a sudden heart attack. He was at his place of business all day Wednesday and seemed to be in his usual good health, and the news which flashed over the town the next morning that he had passed away during the night was a shocking surprise to his friends. Mr. Ramsey was the eldest son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Ramsey and was born and reared in Bedford and all his life was spent here. His entire career was devoted to the hardware business, first with the Parker-Ayres Company, and later he formed a partnership with H. G. Burks, under the firm name of the Burks-Ramsey Supply Company, and this partnership continued until his death this morning. He was merchant of exceptional ability, possessing a keen insight into both the buying and selling ends of the business, and his never-failing courtesy and patience was one of the most valuable assets of his firm. He was personally known to thousands of people in the county, was regarded by them all as their friend and the news of his sudden death will bring grief to many homes. Mr. Ramsey was a member of the Bedford Baptist church and of the board of deacons for a number of years, and to the church and its work he gave devoted service and was always extremely liberal in his material support of its work. For the past six years he had been a member of the town Council, and in the deliberations of that body on any subject his opinion carried weight. As business man, churchman, public servant and citizen he met all his obligations and responsibilities in a fine spirit of liberalism and cooperation, and through his sudden death Bedford has lost a good and useful man. Mr. Ramsey is survived by his wife, Mrs. Lelia Dooley Ramsey, and five children, Miss Beatrice Ramsey, Mrs. Mary Venable, Miss Ruby Ramsey, Glenn and Albert Ramsey, the latter a student at V.P.I. He also leaves one brother, Charles Ramsey of Lynchburg, and four sisters, Mrs. Lelia Walters, Mrs. Nannie Smith, and Miss Elizabeth Ramsey, all of Bedford, and Mrs. Minnie Moore, of Norfolk. The funeral services will be held at the home on East Main street Friday afternoon at 3:30 by the pastor, Dr. H. P. Clause.