Ronald Joseph Ramsey Sr

Ronald J. Ramsey, Sr., age 89, of Dahlonega went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, April 22, 2020.

Born on October 2, 1930 in Pavo, Georgia, he was a sharecropper’s son with seven brothers and sisters working a small farm in Pavo. At the age of 16 he joined the U.S. Army. He served in post World War II Japan and in the landing at Inchon, Korea in 1951. Following his six years of military service, Ronald joined the Thomasville Police Department in 1953. He served the City of Thomasville and Thomas County for 60 years in different capacities: Police Officer, Police Captain, Assistant Chief of Police, Victim’s Advocate, City Clerk, Public Works Department official, and finally as Associate Magistrate Judge for Thomas County. He retired in 2012 and relocated to Dahlonega, Georgia.

Ronald graduated from the FBI National Law Enforcement Academy in 1956. In 1973 he was instrumental in initiating the first Police Training School in Thomasville sponsored by Abraham Baldwin Jr. College. His love of both country and gospel music led him to be known as the Mellow Man of Music, playing his guitar and harmonica in church and in surrounding Nursing Homes. Ronald served as a song leader and Sunday School teacher at Northside Baptist Church and was an active member of Pineland Baptist Church before moving to Dahlonega. Although he was unable to attend worship services near the end of his life he loved the spiritual support of Cavender Creek Baptist Church in Dahlonega.

Ronald was a devoted husband, dad, grandfather and great-grandfather. Survivors include his first love and wife of 66 years Dolores Turner Ramsey; sons and daughters-in-law Ron and Sandra Ramsey of Opelika, AL, and Michael and Rebecca Ramsey of Dahlonega, GA.; grandchildren Shawn Ramsey, Joseph Ramsey, Rhonda Denison, and Jennifer Wiggley; and great-grandchildren, Breckyn Ramsey, Caleb Norrell, Tate Wiggley, Shelby, Amelia, Nonie and Ty Denison. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, and three sisters.

A private family service was held at Cavender Creek Baptist Church Cemetery officiated by Pastor Stephen Adams.

To share a memory of Mr. Ramsey or a condolence with the family visit andersonunderwood.com.

Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home of Dahlonega