Richard Madison Ramsaur

Richard Madison Ramsaur, age 82, of Clarkesville, Georgia, passed away peacefully on the morning of Sunday, November 13, 2011.

Mr. Ramsaur was born on January 8, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia, a son of the late Aubrey Cravan and Blanche Wallace Ramsaur. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Audrey Ramsaur Waits.

Mr. Ramsaur attended Tech High School in Atlanta, Georgia, and joined the Army in 1946. He was stationed in Germany after World War II and entered into the Counter Intelligence Agency of the Army Intelligence Corp, which later became the CIA after the war. After discharge, he attended the University of Georgia and the Atlanta Division, now Georgia State University. He had a career in public relations as a writer, journalist, and printer for the Atlanta Journal Constitution, the Tri-County Advertiser, and various departments of the State of Georgia.

Mr. Ramsaur was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Clarkesville, Georgia.

A master storyteller, Richard entertained his friends around the world, via the internet, with stories of his life on Lake Burton and the northeast Georgia mountains, many of whom visited him over the years. He delighted in cooking for friends and family.

As president of the Joseph Habersham Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, he was instrumental in the education outreach program setting the standards for education of the American Revolution period for 4th grade students. This program received state and national recognition. He was a member of the Georgia Society Color Guard as well.

Richard proudly participated along with the Georgia SAR color guard in the annual observance of the Battle of Ramsour's Mill near Lincolnton, North Carolina. This site once a grist mill was owned and operated by his ancestor Jacob Ramsour and is a recognized Revolutionary war battle site.

Dressed in Colonial period attire, he enjoyed "Ringing the Bell" for the Salvation Army with his grandson, Charles Madison "CJ" Ramsaur, during the holiday season.

He is survived by his wife, Lynne Graves Ramsaur; brother and sister-in-law, William Foye and Gloria Smith Ramsaur; sons, Charles Wyatt Ramsaur and Philip Lee Ramsaur; son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Susan Sanders; daughters, Charity Huber, Rachele Strasswyck, and Melanie McGowen; 11 grandchildren; Godson, Robert Michael Ramsaur; and special friend and caregiver, Katherine Setser.

A Memorial Service and reception were held on Tuesday, November 15, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Clarkesville, Georgia with the Rev. Lisa Graves and the Rev. Dr. Joyce Rife officiating.

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, please remember the First Presbyterian Church, Franklin House, at 181 Jefferson Street, Clarkesville, GA 30523, Grace Gate, Inc., P.O. Box 50, Demorest, GA, or to the charity of one's choice.

Those wishing to express online condolences to the Ramsaur family may do so by visiting www.whitfieldfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest, Georgia. (706) 778-1700