DELAWARE — George Cureton Ramsey, 97, beloved friend and member of the Orrville community for nearly 80 years, passed away quietly Dec. 12, 2009, at Willow Brook in Delaware, Ohio, where he had recently become a resident. He had lived at Orrvilla Maple Terrace for one year prior to that.
George was born July 21, 1912, in Philadelphia, Pa., to Sidney Thomas Ramsey and Mary Bailey Ramsey. His older brother, Frederick Ramsey, and younger sister, Elizabeth McGreevy, both preceded him in death. At the age of 2 he relocated with his parents to Mount Vernon. He graduated from Mount Vernon High School and then moved to Orrville in 1930. He married Helen Layland on July 17, 1938, and they had three children, DaLee Mathey of Atascosa, Texas, George Jr. of Niwot, Colo., and Jerry Ramsey of Marysville. His wife preceded him in death in 2004.
George was employed at Hagan/Westinghouse for 30 years retiring in 1977. He was a member of Augsburg Evangelical Lutheran Church for many years and served, at one time, as president of the church council. He had also been a member of the Masonic Lodge. George was an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting, trapping, and fishing in his early years. Recently, he recalled fondly his boyhood friend, Ron Lemasters of Mount Vernon with whom he checked his traps before going to school. George was among the first lifeguards hired when the original Orr Park pool was built in 1934. He was also a sports fan and a strong supporter of the Red Rider athletic teams and was recognized in 1990, with the “Lifetime Patron Member Award” from the Booster Club. Following retirement he operated the scoreboard for the home games of the Red Rider football team. He also enjoyed being an amateur photographer.
George was an avid gardener and maintained a large organic garden in his backyard on West Hill Drive. Even in his later years he continued to grow tomatoes, which he enjoyed sharing with friends and neighbors. For many years he was a daily “fixture,” along with a circle of friends, at the Mill Restaurant in Buehler’s.
It is safe to say that all who came in contact with him appreciated his relaxed and congenial nature.
In addition to his children he is survived by four grandsons, Darren, Kevin, Ian and Jake; one granddaughter, Mikaela; and a great-grandson, Luke.
A celebration of George’s life will be announced at a future date. Auble Funeral Home in Orrville is assisting the family. Online registry and expressions of condolence may be left at the funeral home Web site at www.aublefuneralhome.com.
