Gerald E. Ramsey

Gerald "Colonel" or "Poppy" E. Ramsey, 78, was born November 13th, 1931 in Jamestown, N.Y. and died Tuesday morning August 24th, 2010. He ended his long battle with lung cancer peacefully surrounded by his loving family.

Jerry is preceded in death by his sisters Linda Ramsey, Ginny Purdy and brothers Roger and Donald Ramsey and father Earl. He will also be greeted in Heaven by his 9 year old son Roddy and his beloved wife of 40 years Lois Ann. He is survived by his Dear mother Helen Ramsey of Katy, Texas and his two cherished daughters, Kathy Ramsey Scott and husband Brandon Nieuwkoop of Sarasota and Karla Small and husband Joseph of Venice. He also leaves behind his baby sister Lynn Ann and husband Wesley of Katy TX. and several wonderful nieces, Linda Holcomb and Brenda McLintock

of Orlando and Jessica and Meliss Hawkes both of Texas. His true pride and joy of four adoring grandchildren, Amber Armstrong, Kyle Scott and Zachary and Joshua Small will forever continue his legacy.

Gerald was a true American and was honored to serve in the military in both the National Guard and the Army. He proudly went to OCS school and was comissioned as a 2nd Lt. where he obtained his Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering. He was introduced to the world of military intelligence and eventually became a military intelligence analyst. After leaving the military he went on to work with many different companies specializing in the design and manufacturing of recording devices for both NASA and military aircraft. This position eventually brought our family to Sarasota, FL. Once here, he discovered another love, Sailor Circus. He was a proud parent volunteer for several years and a lifelong supporter of a program he valued so deeply. His love for the children led him to what he later described as his true calling. He took a position with the Sarasota County School's as a bus driver. He worked closely with many of the handicapped children and believed that making them smile both on the way to school and again on the way home was the thing he was meant to do. His reward and all he asked in return was a "salute".

Daddy, from your loving family and so many dear friends, We Salute You. May the memories you gave to us be some of our best moments. You were one of a kind and will be deeply missed.

Arrangements under the direction of Palms-Robarts Funeral Home & Memorial Park, Sarasota, FL.