Ralston Eugene Ramsey

Ralson Eugene Ramsey passed away June 17, 2026, in the care of his family, his friends, his doctor, and his caregivers at Blue Ridge Christian Home. He is survived by his sisters, Catherine Ramsey Trawick, Nancy Ramsey Carwile, and Elizabeth Courtney Ramsey, and 22 nieces and nephews.

Gene was born March 13, 1935, in Rich Valley, Virginia, to Ralston Rowan and Mary Catherine Selden Ramsey. His grandparents were Dorsey Bell and Nannie Price Ramsey of Raphine, Virginia, and Jefferson Sinclair and Mary Roane Selden of Hampton, Virginia. He grew up in Jackson Springs, North Carolina, and completed studies at Hampden Sydney College, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, and the University of Virginia.

He was a licensed Electrical Engineer, and did significant electrical work in repair and recovery work in homes and businesses impacted by Hurricane Camille. Born to a Presbyterian minister, he was so impressed with the volunteer efforts of the Mennonite Community that he joined them, and was an active member of the Springdale Mennonite Church in Waynesboro, where he will be interred in a private committal service there.

Gene had broad interest and knowledge in many fields, and though he would converse on many topics, he preferred teaching in lab-type, hands-on settings, in the public schools in Nelson, Augusta, and Rockbridge Counties. He also did extensive volunteer work: repairing and donating bicycles, teaching skill and safety lessons and organizing events for bicycles, canoes, bateaux, and numerous other areas. He was part of support teams for Refugees from Afghanistan, Syria, and Ukraine. He provided varied expertise in many activities with the Boy Scouts of America, and was awarded their Silver Beaver Award. He kept involved with various local troops and with Camp Shenandoah.

The family greatly appreciates the love and care we and Gene have received from others, and we know that some of you will ask about special flowers, or food, or donations and personal actions in response to Gene’s passing from us. Gene lived alone, but he has always been supported by family and friends. We will plan a memorial service at a later date for everyone to remember his life and his contributions to us all. He preferred to keep his financial decisions private, including his private bequests in his Will.

Gene’s life covered a wide range of people, places, and years. He would ask that you take time to consider what you feel moved to do, not just to honor Gene’s legacy, but to honor that still, small voice we all have in our better selves. Our best prayers are those spent listening for the spirit within. Maybe that spirit is called God, maybe Love, maybe Common Sense, maybe the Comforter. You, yourselves, will be able to decide how best to honor a life fully lived.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes of Stuarts Draft.

Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories with the family online by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com