Jerry Lee Ramsey
Published 3:58 pm Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Jerry Lee Ramsey of Columbus died peacefully on September 26, 2010 with his family by his side at the Smith Phayer Hospice House in Landrum. He was married for almost 54 years to Rachel Jack Ramsey of Columbus.
Jerry was born August 14, 1935 in Inman, S.C., the son of John Columbus and Pauline Bishop Ramsey. He graduated from Inman High School and attended Clemson University before joining the U.S. Air Force where he served for 20 years and was a flight engineer instructor on C130 aircraft. Jerry logged over 3,000 combat flying hours during his three tours of Vietnam. He was recognized for his work during the Vietnam War on a C130 named the Quan Loi Queen, the most heavily damaged aircraft ever to be returned to service. While in the Air Force, Jerry was honored with the Distinguished Flying Cross and One Oak Leaf Cluster (OLC), Air Medal with Five OLC, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal with Four OLC, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award with Three OLC, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with One OLC, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with Three OLC, AUTH Air Force Medal 900-3. Jerry also received the Airmans Medal for Heroism while stationed in Taiwan in 1971.
After retiring from the Air Force, Jerry moved back home to Polk County where he owned and operated the I-26 Chevron Station in Columbus. After selling the station, Jerry worked as a mail carrier for the Columbus Post Office for several years. Following his retirement, Jerry enjoyed traveling and especially vacationing with his wife in the Florida Keys.
Besides his beloved wife, Jerry is survived by his two daughters, Christy Ramsey Fisher (Dave) of Columbus and Beverly Ramsey Deal (Jeffrey) of Campobello, five grandchildren, Samantha Lyn Morrison and Jason O. Fisher of Columbus, Ethan C. Fisher currently stationed at Seymour Johnson AFB; James Lee Deal and Jack Allen Deal of Campobello; one great granddaughter, Lily Grace Fisher of Columbus, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents.
Jerry enjoyed life and loved his family. Jerry was known for his quick wit and one-liners, something he passed along to his children and grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday, September 29, 2010 at Seawright Funeral Home in Inman, S.C., conducted by Chaplain Dean Elliott. Gathering of friends will follow the memorial service at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, 130 Forest Glen Dr., Columbus, N.C. 28722 or to his grandsons baseball team, The Inman Pirates, 121 Boardwalk Dr., Inman, S.C. 29349.
Seawright Funeral Home and Crematory. www.seawright-funeralhome.com.