Ramsay Oliver Mead of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away on Friday, October 19, 2018, at the age of 71. Ramsay was born on August 26, 1947 in Chicago, Illinois to James Edwin Mead, Jr. and Julia Ramsay Mead. Growing up in Jacksonville and graduating from Robert E. Lee High School, he went on to attend Florida State University, where he earned his Bachelor's and two Masters. After receiving his degree, he became an English teacher at Robert E. Lee High School until he retired. In addition to teaching at Lee, Ramsay served for many years as the coach of the school's highly regarded Brain Brawl academic team. Aside from his long teaching career, he was an accomplished writer who contributed to various education journals.
Ramsay was a devoted member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church where he served as an usher. His understanding of the Gospel was marked by the way that he lived out his faith not in word, but in deed, and he dedicated his life to serving his family and maintaining solid friendships over the years. Ramsay, as his friends might say, was decidedly "old school" in a world where the traditional virtues are more and more undervalued. In his retirement, he took on the task of caring for his mother, Julia, and, later, for his older brother, James, always putting the needs of others ahead of his own.
In addition to being a keen student of history, literature, and politics, Ramsay had a love for baseball, especially the Detroit Tigers, as he followed the ups and downs of the game over the years. Like George Will, with whom he would for the most part disagree, his appreciation for America's Pastime ran deep, and his affection for the game was illuminated with his abiding love of the country that gave it birth.
In his family life, he enjoyed being a “funcle” (fun uncle) to his nephew and niece, and he took great pleasure in their accomplishments. For his friends, he was always a source of constructive engagement, ironic observation and when needed, sound advice. He will be remembered by his many students as someone who was always ready to share his love of learning. His kind and generous spirit will be forever cherished by his brother, Thomas (Cindy); his nephew, Christopher (Gretchen and his grand-nephews, Tommy and Samuel); his niece Jennifer (Dolan); and those who were closest to him.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 30, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 4129 Oxford Avenue, Jacksonville, Florida, 32210. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Monday, October 29, 2018 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Hardage-Giddens Edgewood Chapel.
HARDAGE-GIDDENS EDGEWOOD CHAPEL, 729 EDGEWOOD AVENUE SOUTH, is serving the family.
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