OBITUARY
Ramsey Clinton
February 24, 1925 – May 24, 2014
Claude Ramsey Clinton Sr.
Ramsey Clinton was born February 24, 1925 in Waco, Texas – a fourth generation Texan. Ramsey served his country in the Navy during World War II in the Pacific before graduating from the University of Texas where he met Emmy Jane Tittle, the love of his life for the last 62 years. They have three children, 14 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. A family man in every sense, Ramsey went to be with the Lord on May 24, 2014.
Upon graduating from the University of Texas, Ramsey joined his father to operate a quarry in Burnet, Texas, on behalf of Citizens National Bank of Waco. That began their 29-year business partnership until Sam Houston Clinton Sr.’s death in 1977.
Ramsey moved to Marble Falls in 1948 and then to Burnet in 1949 where he owned and operated Clinton Trucking Company, hauling limestone aggregate from his father’s rock quarry operation on the B. Pogue ranch. Ramsey bought into the quarry operation and he and his dad formed a partnership - Houston Clinton and Company. When Houston Clinton and Company sold the rock quarry operation, the partnership purchased the adjacent Murchison Ranch and started a registered Hereford cattle operation. Later the cattle operation was sold for a registered quarter horse operation. A National Cutting Horse Hall of Fame inductee sign for their cutting horse Alice Star still stands at the quarry entrance.
Ramsey once observed that he specialized in holes in the ground – the quarry that later moved across Hamilton Creek to the HR Ranch, Inner Space Cavern of which he was one of the four founding owners and Lakeland Hills Memorial Park on Park Road 4 near Burnet.
Believing that it was the duty of every citizen to support a family, to provide jobs for others and to make a difference in his community, Ramsey was proud to be named Burnet’s Honor Citizen in 1970. He held numerous civic posts and served, among others: Burnet Rotary Club (a founding member and first president); Epiphany Episcopal Church (lay reader, often substitute preacher, Sr. Warden); Burnet School Board member, President); Burnet City Council (Mayor, City Councilman, Planning and Zoning member, instrumental in success of Burnet Airport, Galloway & Hammond City Park (now YMCA) and recently named Houston Clinton Rodeo Arena; Burnet Chamber of Commerce (President); Highland Lakes Tourist Association Board of Directors (Chairman of Bluebonnet Trail and Operation Clean Scene); Burnet County Hospital Authority (President); Burnet Swim Team Parents (President); Valley Lodge #175 Ancient, Free & Accepted Masons (Worshipful Master, 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, District Deputy Grand Master); Fort Hood Civilian Advisory Board; Austin Admirals Club (charter member); Capitol Area Council of Boy Scouts of America (lifetime member and supporter); Hedonia Club of Waco; Home State Bank of Marble Falls (Director); The University of Texas Chancellors Council.
Ramsey was a life-long Burnet Bulldog sports fan and supporter of the Texas Longhorns. His three children graduated from both Burnet High School and the University of Texas and Ramsey had a very deep affection for both institutions of learning. He started hiring young men from the Burnet Public School system - “Ramsey’s Boys” as the mother of one called them. Ramsey had an involvement in the lives of these young men throughout their years in high school and college and beyond.
Ramsey lived his life consistently with the words of St. Francis of Assisi - "Preach the gospel constantly…Use words if necessary."
Ramsey was preceded in death by his parents, Faye Ramsey Clinton and Sam Houston Clinton, Sr. and his brother, Sam Houston Clinton, Jr. Survivors include his wife Emmy Jane Tittle Clinton and his three children, Cleveland Guy Clinton (Rita), Claudia Ramsey Clinton Jones (Philip) and Claude Ramsey Clinton, Jr. (Emily). Grandchildren include Charlotte Clinton, Cameron Clinton, Lair Jones Hughen (Justin), Cole Jones Lester (Ben), Emmy Jones Rogers (Jordan), Bess Jones Fontes (Graham), Caleb Jones, Simeon Jones, Caroline Jones, Claude Ramsey Clinton III (Caity), Pressly Clinton Smith (Zach), Ed Eskridge (Megan), Will Eskridge (Mady) and Murphy Eskridge Moellers (Matt). Ramsey was blessed with great-grandchildren Andie Jane Hughen, Wil Hughen, Virginia Lester, Ramsey Rogers, Henry Fontes, Mary Miller Fontes and Evie Eskridge.
The Ramsey Clinton family is honored to have as Pallbearers: L.W. Carroll, Doak Field, Billy Inman, Ross Johnson, Bill Pell, Clyde Rhoads, Bob Shipley and Pip Sivakumar. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers are: Bishop Ben Benitez, Rachel Bryson, Frank Denius, Richie Giesecke, Dr. Hudson Glimp, Lela Jo Goar, Ralph “Tookie” Ramsey, Jr., Beauford Rowney, George Shoop, Goodhue Smith, Sr. and Harry Whittington.
Visitation with the family will be at an Open House, Wednesday, May 28, 6-8 p.m. at the Epiphany Episcopal Church of Burnet (601 N. Wood Street). A Celebration of Life memorializing Ramsey will be held on Thursday, May 29, 4:00 p.m. at the Hill Country Fellowship Church (200 Houston Clinton Drive, Burnet). In true Ramsey form, BBQ and fond reminiscing will follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to the Hill Country Community Foundation (c/o First State Bank of Burnet, PO Box 10, Burnet, TX 78611) where a scholarship will be established in Ramsey’s memory. Condolences may be offered to www.clementswilcoxburnet.com
Arrangements made by Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home Burnet, Texas
Services
PREVIOUS SERVICES:
- "Open House" Wednesday, May 28, 2014
- Funeral Service Thursday, May 29, 2014
PREVIOUS SERVICES:
- Private Interment
REMEMBERING
Ramsey Clinton
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RECEIVE UPDATESJune 11, 2014
Claudia & entire family...praying for you during this time. Your dad, Claudia, was the best. I'm remembering times at your house...God bless you all.
Kim Kemper Dunagan
June 3, 2014
Mrs. Clinton, Carcy, Claudia, and Cleve,
I was so sad to hear of your loss. I will always remember him with that Texas-size smile! What a blessing to have had someone who led by example and who will continue to inspire us all in our daily lives.
Joe & Reyn Longino
May 28, 2014
Cleve, Rita, et al,
I would get to see Mr. Clinton once a year at Christmas-time so I didn't know him well, but I knew him well enough. Most of all I knew him through his sons and daughter-in-law and grandchildren. The many qualities that are in them are there because of Mr. Clinton. I did know Mr. Clinton to be a fine, devoted, loving husband and likewise a devoted and loving father. At the end of the day, if these things can be said of a man, what better way is there to be remembered?
May 28, 2014
Such a kind, wonderful man. He never seemed to be without a smile. My heart goes out to Gremmie.......and to all the family. His life left a legacy of integrity and love. Debbie Wright, Little Rock
May 28, 2014
Cleve, Claudia, Carcy and family,
I remember meeting your dad at a UT game. He was a man of strong character and you each have a strong legacy. Our heart goes out to you all.
Susie and Bob O'Neal, Dallas
Mark Ozier
May 27, 2014
What a wonderful man and person. Everyone always loved his positive attitude and his wonderful smile. He had a profound impact in my life! Cleve, Claudia, and Carcy you were all so blessed to have such a great dad!
Jim & Jackie Garrow
May 27, 2014
Our heartfelt condolences on your loss. We have such respect for Mr. Clinton. Keeping your family in our prayers...Jim and Jackie Garrow (Burnet Gun Club)
Roy Lucksinger
May 27, 2014
Carcy and family....so saddened to hear about your Dad. I have very fond memories of him as you and I grew up together (going to a Longhorn football game, drag races in Austin, Armed Forces Day at Ft. Hood, get togethers at your house, among many others) and I will cherish them always. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God bless.
Keith Hearn
May 27, 2014
I have been privileged to sit down the isle for Mr. Clinton & Ms Emmy for many years at the UT football games. One of the things I looked forward to each year was seeing each of them at the first game. Ramsey was such a gentlemen. He will be greatly missed, but not forgotten. Our prayers are with Ms. Emmy and the rest of the family.
Hatch Bailey
May 27, 2014
My most heartfelt sympathy. Last time I saw him was in church in Dallas as his son-in-law preached, pretty cool!
Larry Todd
May 27, 2014
Ramsey treated me like I was somebody special. He did that for all the folks he met. I'll never forget his kindness and wonderful spirit. --Larry Todd, Austin.
J.T. Smith
May 27, 2014
May God Bless you and the lord take great care of you a great friend ....jt SMITH LOVE YA MAN
Jerry Hyman
May 27, 2014
My father C.H. Hyman started to work for Houston Clinton and later worked for Ramsey. He still worked at the quary in 1977 when my father died of a heart attack. I knew Cleve and Claudia from Burnet Schools. I respected Ramsey very much and an sorry to hear of his passing. My prayers go out to all his family for their loss.
Karen Wofford Royer
May 27, 2014
The Clinton Family always opened their home to me during my high school years! I will always remember their kindness and generosity. Mr. Clinton will be missed. My prayers are with their wonderful family!
Gary Johnson
May 26, 2014
Sorry to hear of Ramsey's passing. Growing up in Burnet, I have very fond memories of Ramsey and his family.
Too Emmy, Cleve, Claudia, and Carcy, our prayers are with all of you.
Stirling Marcum
May 25, 2014
What a wonderful man, father, and husband! In so many ways he was a father figure to me when my dad was overseas. The entire Clinton family opened their home and hearts to me. They all enriched my growing up years so much. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Lonnie Jones
May 25, 2014
So sorry to read about Mr. Cinton's passing. He was always so involved in the community and the schools. He will be greatly missed. My prayers are with the family.
FROM THE FAMILY
IN THE CARE OF