Gary Ramsey
Gary Cooper Ramsey, 80, of Cleveland, Tennessee, passed away on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, surrounded by family at his home.
Gary was born on Dec. 18, 1941, at McCall Hospital in Rome, Ga., Floyd County to the late William Horrace Ramsey and Mildred Irene (Hicks) Ramsey. He was also preceded in death by his brother Wade Horrace Ramsey.
Gary is survived by his wife of 24 years, Estell Ramsey; his children, Terrell Cooper Ramsey (Valerie), Cheryll Ramsey Yoshida, John Nix (Tina) and Paula Poe (Allan); his seven grandchildren Kyleigh Madison Yoshida, Koleton Manning Yoshida, Tara Lea Owen, Stephanie Burgiss (Cody), Jarred Poe, Ryan Nix (Lindsey), and Kelsey Nix and his two great-grandchildren, Knox Burgiss and Paxxton Burgiss.
Gary graduated from Lakeview High School Class of 1960, Fort Oglethorpe. He graduated from Southern Business University in 1961 where he was the vice president of the Student Council. Gary then enlisted in the United States Air Force for four years.
Gary went to work for Norfolk Southern Railroad where he retired with 35 years of service as a machinist and was known as “Orangutan”. He also had an appliance repair business where he serviced many friends and residents across Chattanooga.
Gary was a member of Brainerd Baptist Church, Chattanooga. He was also a member of the Alhambra Shrine Temple, Scottish Rite, Tompkins Masonic Lodge #466 and American Legion Post #95.
Gary was a very giving man with a caring heart. He would go out of his way to help or care for anyone in need. He was a big college fan of the University of Georgia. He recently watched the Bulldogs win their National Championship in 2022, which was the second time in his lifetime.
The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to Hospice of Chattanooga and to Erlanger SICU and TSDU departments and staff for their compassionate care they offered during this most difficult time. We will be forever grateful.
Visitation for family and friends will be held at Chattanooga Funeral Home – East Chapel on Friday, July 1, from 5-7 p.m.
Funeral services with Dr. Steve Rowland officiating will follow on Friday, July 1, at 7 p.m. in the chapel. A Masonic service will be performed by the East Ridge Lodge #755 F&AM.
Graveside services will be held on Saturday, July 2. The procession will leave Chattanooga Funeral Home – East Chapel, Saturday, July 2, promptly at 9:45 a.m. and go directly to the Chattanooga National Cemetery. The service will begin at 10:30 a.m., where military honors will be performed by the United States Air Force and American Legion Post #95.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s researchhttps://www.stjude.org/donate.