Hugh Gamble Ramsey

Born May 20, 1917, in Craigsville, Virginia, he was the last living child of the late Robert H. and Mary M. Copper Ramsey.

Mr. Ramsey graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1938 with a degree in Agricultural Engineering. After graduation he served his country in World War II's Pacific Theatre, attaining the rank of Lieutenant in the U. S. Navy.

On June 29, 1946, he married the former Nancy Virginia Lee; who after 63 years of marriage preceded him in death on October 23, 2009.

He retired in 1982 from The Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative where he held the position of Member Services Manager for over 25 years. During his tenure there, he served on state and national boards of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and was well known for his involvement with local Future Farmers of America and 4-H clubs. Mr. Ramsey also enjoyed serving as emcee at various meetings and even beauty pageants! Always quick-witted, he kept his audiences entertained.

He was a member of the Dayton United Methodist Church, serving as a trustee; the Rockingham Union Masonic Lodge #27; the Dayton Ruritan Club for over 41 years, holding leadership positions at both the local and state level; and served as President of the Ashby Recreation Association.

He is survived by one son, Robert Edward Ramsey, and wife, Betti Brown, of Washington, D.C.; three daughters, Barbara Lee Ramsey, of Williamsburg, Va., Marsha Anne Shank and husband, Ray D., of Dayton, Va., Carol Ramsey Eakins and husband, Dave, of Crofton, MD.; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a granddaughter Jennifer Anne Shank, and siblings: Thomas O. Ramsey, Sr., Lucille C. Byrd, Mary Margaret Turner, Robert B. Ramsey, Spencer W. Ramsey, Harry E. Ramsey, Sr., John O. Ramsey, Howard J. Ramsey, William M. Ramsey, Nell L. Kipp, Richard H. Ramsey, and Virginia C. (Pat) Stephenson.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 4, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at the Dayton United Methodist Church. Burial will immediately follow at the Dayton Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 3rd, from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the Lindsey Funeral Home in Harrisonburg.

Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Dayton United Methodist Church or the RMH Healthcare Hospice in his memory.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.lindseyharrisonburg.com.