Richard Dean Ramsey

He attended school in Nevada, MO through mid-high school when dropped out in 1958 at age 17 and enlisted in the United States Navy. He served as an Aircraft Machinist Mate and after spending the required enlistment time, plus a mandated 5 months, he was honorably discharged as a Petty Officer 2nd Class(E-5). As though serving his country wasn’t enough, he also spent time working for the Nevada City Police Department in Missouri as a Police officer and moved through the ranks to become a Captain. He also worked for the Nevada City Fire Department and was a full time Fire Fighter. Fun Fact, while working for the Fire Department he would cut the hair of his fellow fire fighters and even had his own barber chair at the station. Some years later he moved to California and began working for the Tulare County Road Department, District #2 in Visalia. He steadily rose through the ranks and eventually reached the level of Superintendent; he retired with that title in 2003 after 32 years. His retirement years were spent partially in Jericho Springs, MO, a short stint in Mound City, KS and ultimately in Central Point and Sunny Valley, Oregon.

Boy there are an abundance of wild stories that anyone could tell who knew Richard! I’m certain the things that would stand out to each and everyone he knew would be that he was an extremely hard worker, was as stubborn as an old mule, and if he liked you, he’d do darn near anything for you.

Though everyone makes mistakes in life, he tried to the end to right his wrongs in the ways that he knew how. He was a loving father; even to the kid who would have never stood a chance in this life without him. He was the grandpa who treated his grandkids just like his own, except maybe gave them more sugar and then sent them home! He was able to know his great grand kids, though some I think he only knew by their nicknames; like Pickle and Porkchop. Especially towards the end, he lived for his family; there were days that he ONLY got out of bed because he knew his grandkids would be coming over to pester him. He told all his doctors that he wanted to stay strong to watch them grow. He enjoyed a full house on Sundays when his daughter would visit and help with his house; she most always brought other family and friends to visit, as well as plenty of good food!

He will forever be missed. But, the old ball and chain of that damn oxygen bottle isn’t holding him back anymore!! Love you very, very much daddy!

Richard was proceeded in death by his wife and mother to his youngest child, Wanda Ramsey, his parents, Roy and Dortha Ramsey, and his sisters Barbara Ramsey and Shirley Bass. He is survived by two sisters; Sharon Lamb of Nevada, MO and Nancy Sanders of Nevada, MO; along with a multitude of nieces and nephews. He is survived by two sons and two daughters: Randy Ramsey and his wife Nina of San Diego, CA, Juanita “Rooney” Ramsey-Riggs of Central Point, OR, Richard Ramsey Jr. of Central Point, OR, Jeri Ann Ramsey-Canady and husband Kenny of Sunny Valley, OR. He is survived by six grandchildren: Christopher Ramsey and his wife Haley of Central Point, OR, Cheyenne Riggs of Central Point, OR, Brandon Ramsey of CA, Jacob Ramsey of CA, and twins Mason and Morgan Canady of Sunny Valley, OR. He is survived by his great grandchildren Nevaeh, Alaiya and Cayden Ramsey of Central Point, OR, Vivienne Riggs of Central Point, OR and Ray Ramsey of CA. He is also survived by a previous wife and mother of his eldest children, who remained a good friend, Toni Ramsey of Central Point, OR.

Services will be held at the National Cemetery in Eagle Point, OR on May 17th, 2024 at 2PM.

Procession will begin at Chapel of the Valley – L.B Hall Funeral Home, 2065 Upper River Rd, Grants Pass, OR 97526 at 1PM and proceed along an escorted route to the cemetery located at 2763 Riley Rd, Eagle Point, OR 97524. A brief ceremony will be held at that location, with appropriate full Military Honors.

Please contact Jeri Ann Canady if you wish to participate in the procession.

Flowers may be sent to Chapel of the Valley Funeral Home prior to the services.