Harold Ramjattan

He leaves behind his devoted wife, Sheila Ramjattan; four children; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Grace, and other cherished family members.

Harold was admired for his wisdom, humor, and unwavering love for his family. In his younger years, he was a successful business owner, operating Harold’s Paint & Body Shop in Miami, Florida. After retirement, he continued to serve others as a dedicated team member at Southern Maintenance High Rise Services in West Palm Beach, Florida, and later as a security officer at Polk State College in Winter Haven, Florida.

He was a faithful member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, a passionate Amateur Radio licensed operator, and skilled in electronics. Known as a true “jack-of-all-trades,” he was always willing to lend a helping hand.

He was best known as “Papa” to his children and grandchildren, who will forever treasure his love, guidance, and example as a hard-working role model.

A funeral service for Harold will be held at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Legacy Lodge, 4801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207, on Friday, August 29, 2025. Visitation will begin at 12:00pm, followed by the service at 2:00pm. Burial will take place immediately afterward at Oaklawn Cemetery.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to Community Hospice for their compassion and care during Harold’s final days. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to Community Hospice: https://thefoundationcares.org/give/

Papa’s favorite verse:

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13

Memorial of Harold Benjamin Ramjattan

August 29, 2025 Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel & Cemetery

Order of Service

Prelude: Softly and Tenderly

Alan Jackson

Softly and tenderly, Jesus is calling, calling for you and for me; see, on the portals he's waiting and watching, watching for you and for me.

Refrain: Come home, come home; you who are weary come home; earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling, calling, O sinner, come home!

Why should we tarry when Jesus is pleading, pleading for you and for me? Why should we linger and heed not his mercies, mercies for you and for me? [Refrain]

Time is now fleeting, the moments are passing, passing from you and from me; shadows are gathering, deathbeds are coming, coming for you and for me. [Refrain]

O for the wonderful love he has promised, promised for you and for me! Though we have sinned, he has mercy and pardon, pardon for you and for me. [Refrain]

Greeting

Chaplain Tracy Tucker

Prayer

Chaplain Tracy Tucker

Psalm 23 (NKJV)

Read by Sarah Ramjattan Gardi, Granddaughter (Sarah will invite all present to join her in reciting Psalm 23 together)

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.

Hymn: How Great Thou Art

Alan Jackson

O Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder consider all the works thy hands hath made, I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder, thy pow'r throughout the universe displayed;

Refrain: Then sings my soul, my Savior-God, to thee: How great thou art! How great thou art! Then sings my soul, my Savior-God, to thee: How great thou art! How great thou art!

When through the woods and forest glades I wander, and hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees; when I look down from lofty mountain grandeur and hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze;

And when I think that God, his Son not sparing, sent him to die, I scarce can take it in, that on the cross my burden gladly bearing he bled and died to take away my sin; [Refrain]

When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart! Then I shall bow in humble adoration and there proclaim: "My God, how great thou art!"

Gospel Lesson: John 14:1–6, 27 (NKJV & NLT)

Read by Corey Benjamin & Lupe Edelstein

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know.” Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” … “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

Not only am I grateful I've been asked to read the scriptures but feel compelled to give a teaching on this scripture. This was scripture was highlighted in my grandfather’s Bible. I feel it's no mistake we were asked to read it and teach because that's how he was a man who read and taught. Read John 1-21, teach, this first part of the Scripture speaks to me. Maybe in his early days my grandfather may not have been such a gentle understanding person. I know him as otherwise. Slow to anger, quick to teach and eager to love. Before I knew it, he was speaking the gospel to me. I know now he can rest peacefully knowing I am a devout believer is Jesus Christ and his words did not fall on deaf ears.... no matter how long it took. In first John 8 Phillip his faithful disciple asks Jesus show us and we will be satisfied.... after all the miracles Jesus preformed, you'd think that would be enough. Our fleshly desires sometimes overcome the truth that is in front of us, even if proven over and over. What Jesus is telling us is to trust and love…a relationship is all that Jesus wanted. John 14:11 Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen me do. I have been witnessed to great works my grandfather has done he taught me everything from fixing cars, things around my house and being curious enough to fixing a couch these are all lessons he instilled in me but most of all he led by example when I didn't even know he was and leading me to Jesus. I will be forever grateful. In closing I'd like to finish John 27-3.

Homily

Chaplain Tracy Tucker

Prayer

Chaplain Tracy Tucker

Eulogies

Eulogy for Papa-Our Dad, Our Teacher, Our Mentor

Given by: Suzanne Ramjattan Halverson

Good afternoon Family & Friends,

I have the privilege of standing here today as Papa’s youngest daughter. More than any degree I’ve earned or classroom I’ve taught in, my greatest education came from Papa-my dad, our teacher, and our mentor.

I want to begin by saying what an honor it is to celebrate Papa’s life with you all!

On behalf of our family, I want to thank each of you for being here. Some of you have traveled long distances. Some rearranged your lives to be present today. Your love and support speak volumes about the kind of man Papa was.

We would also like to give a special thank you to family members who gave their precious time to visit Papa these past months. Those visits, those conversations, even the quiet moments of simply sitting with him-meant more than words can say. They gave him comfort, and they reminded him how deeply he was loved.

We are especially grateful to the medical teams who cared for him. The physicians, nurses, and staff at Millennium Physician Group, Ascension St. Vincent’s Hospital, and various specialties. The compassionate team at Community Hospice Center for Caring at Baptist Medical Center South, and the at Home Community Hospice 24/7 team.

The RNs, chaplains, social workers, and home health aides walked with us through the hardest days. They gave Papa comfort and dignity, and they gave us strength and peace. For that, we are forever grateful.

Papa lived his life as a man of strength, hard work, and faith. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. And above all, he was a true servant of the Lord. He didn’t need to shout about his faith-he lived it. He showed us discipline through his work. Love through his family. And devotion through his walk with God.

But today, we also want to honor my mother. My parents shared a love that endured every season of life. Mom, your devotion to Papa-especially in his final days-was extraordinary.

You cared for him with a love that was patient and caring. When Papa’s health declined, you stood by him with courage and grace. You showed us all what true love and faithfulness look like. Your strength has been the backbone of this family. And today, we honor you, too.

There was one verse that guided Papa’s life. His anchor. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13). He didn’t just recite that verse-he lived it. He relied on Christ’s strength in his work, in his family, in illness, and in joy. And in many ways, so did my mom. Together, they leaned on Christ. And leaned on one another.

To us, Papa was our lifelong mentor. He was the one we turned to for guidance, for encouragement, and for the steady comfort of his presence. His legacy is not only in what he did-but in who he inspired us to become.

It speaks volumes to see how many beloved family and friends are here today. Each of you carries a piece of Papa’s story. And your presence is the greatest testimony to the impact of his life.

In his final years, Papa faced tremendous challenges. Two neurological diseases-Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease.

And yet-even in weakness-Papa’s spirit stayed strong. Mom’s tireless love gave him dignity. Her strength carried our family through.

I believe that throughout his end-of-life journey, the Lord was gently calling him home. Softly. Tenderly. Just as the hymn says. Papa began resting early on, awaiting the Lord with peace and surrender. Even at the end, his faith never wavered.

As I look out at all of you, I know his influence will not end here. He planted seeds of love, faith, and perseverance in each of us. It is now our responsibility to live in a way that honors him. To carry forward his lessons, his laughter, his devotion, and yes-the love story he shared with Mom.

Papa-thank you. For being our anchor. Our mentor. Our example. We miss you deeply. But today, we celebrate your life with gratitude and hope. Because we know you are at rest-in the presence of the Lord you served so faithfully.

We love you, Papa. Always.

And in his words and his faith, let us remember: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13).

Eulogy for Papa-Family Fundamentals

Given By: Sarah Ramjattan Fleischman Gardi & Rachel Lauren Fleischman

Rachel: Family fundamentals. The definition of fundamental is forming a necessary base or core; of central importance.

Sarah: Papa is our fundamental. We use current tense because this fact will not change. The base he set for all of us carries on in this space and the future.

Rachel: Papa and Mama have cared for us and raised us to our truest selves. Their values have been woven into our daily lives. We wanted to share some examples of this in Papa’s honor.

Sarah: Papa has taught us the value of resilience and hard work as and since he brought our family to the United States from Trinidad. He once told me how when he first got here, he kept his KFC tenders warm in a coffee maker— how that worked…I didn’t ask. The point being- his sacrifices and dedication allowed our parents and therefore, us to have a brighter future.

Rachel: No matter what we are doing, I think we can all agree Papa has instilled values that taught us to wake up a little bit earlier, live a bit more simpler, and always come from a place of gratitude. I remember by the time we would wake up on a weekend, Papa would already have come home or been fresh from a shower from a morning doing what he personally loved. Whether that was going to church or taking care of his lawn and roses.

Sarah: From cars to college, Papa always had the best interest in his sugarplums and spices. He always had our backs and was involved with what we were doing. Papa always took time to understand what was going on in our worlds, whether it was helping us move college apartments or giving advice about anything over a phone call or a conversation over a late dinner.

Rachel: Papa always seemed like he was immortal, but we know he lives on and beyond, in the grand ways of those living, and even the smallest of ways. Papa lives through us by the jewelry him and Mama gave us, by the orange marmalade spread on Mama’s Bake, by stories of setting the garage floor on fire and jokes about the mice in your pocket.

We have our stories and memories of Papa through word and through the many photos that were taken over the years; to hold onto and to cherish, and to look back at Papa’s wonderful legacy and family him and Mama raised. We know Papa is peacefully at home and is with his parents, Benjamin and Grace, Nani and Nana, and our grandparents, Bernie and Arline.

~Sarah, Rachel, Danny, and Ben~

Eulogy for Papa-Heartfelt Memories, “His Legacy”

Given by: Amber Josephine Halverson

Good afternoon, my name is Amber, and I am Papa’s granddaughter.

Papa was someone who brought warmth, love, and strength into the lives of those around him. His bravery and hardworking mindset live on in all of us. He was the first in our family to come to the United States, and none of us would be here without him.

I’ll always remember when we saved a turtle together, rode bikes in the neighborhood, and when he taught me how to ride [well, he actually pushed me and hoped I didn’t fall]. He picked me up from school and took me to McDonald’s, took me to church, visited Legoland, and came to all my school events, volleyball games, swim meets, softball games, the book fair, etc. We worked together in his shed, played on the playground he built for me, clipped his rose bush, did yard work side by side, and traveled to Hawaii and England-and so much more.

That’s the kind of person Papa was. He gave from the heart, cared deeply for every single person-no matter what-and truly valued education. His legacy lives on in each of us.

Thank you.

Eulogy for Papa-A Tribute to Harold Ramjattan, “A Silent Key”

Sent By: Indra, Bal and Indira

“Blessed are those who mourn for they would be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4)

Indra, Bal and Indira express our deepest condolences to Sheila, the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, relatives and friends on the promotion of our beloved Mr. Harold Ramjattan into the arms of our Lord in heaven.

Harold was a very dear relative of Indra, a dear friend and mentor to Bal and a loving grandfather to Indira. We thank God for the privilege to have known him and shared his wisdom. He was a very helpful person and would always volunteer his assistance to anyone in need. He was a caring and selfless person who made all those around him feel loved.

Harold was an avid Amateur Radio operator and acquired several call signs from the FCC which he used to communicate with other Amateur Radio Operators around the world. He would spend all his free time in communications projects including constructing various antennae and operating his Amateur Radio Station.

Over the past 43 years Harold and Bal would communicate on their radios for several hours on a weekly basis. In amateur jargon Harold known as AA6YZ, AB4NF, KW4ZP is now a silent key. We believe that he will be sending messages to us from Heaven.

“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” (2nd Corinthians 5:8)

Harold would be dearly missed by all of us.

May the Lord grant Peace and Comfort to his family and loved ones who mourn his ascension to the arms of our Lord.

Closing Eulogy for Papa-Forever in our Hearts & Blessed Memories

Given By: Sherry Ann Ramjattan Fleischman

Closing Hymn: Amazing Grace

Alan Jackson

Amazing Grace how sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me I once was lost but now am found Was blind but now I see Was Grace that taught my heart to fear And Grace my fears relieved How precious did that Grace appear The hour I first believed Through many dangers toils and snares We have already come Twas Grace that brought us safe thus far And Grace will lead us home And Grace will lead us home Amazing Grace how sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me I once was lost but now am found Was blind but now I see Was blind but now I see

Graveside Committal Service

In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to Almighty God our brother Harold, and we commit his body to the ground: earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. The Lord bless him and keep him; The Lord make His face shine upon him, And be gracious to him; The Lord lift up His countenance upon him, And give him peace.”

(Numbers 6:24–26, NKJV) Rest eternal grant to Harold, O Lord, And let light perpetual shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the departed, Through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Graveside Committal Service-Songs

Alan Jackson

I’ll Fly A way

In the Garden

The Old Rugged Cross