Palestine High School Alumni Association

Jesse Ramsey 1943

05 / 15 / 1926  –  05 / 02 / 2005

Services for Jesse David Ramsey, 78, of Palestine will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at First Christian Church with the Rev. Dan Bubach officiating. Burial will follow at Palestine City Cemetery under the direction of Herrington/Land of Memory Funeral Home.

Mr. Ramsey died Monday at his home.  He was born May 15, 1926, in Palestine to Jesse and Maud Beard Ramsey. He graduated from Palestine High School in 1943, where he played in the band and lettered in baseball, and from Baylor University in 1948. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II in Germany and received the Purple Heart.

He worked for Mobil Oil Company for several years in Louisiana before returning to Palestine. He went into the insurance business as Farmers Insurance Agent until retiring in 2000. He was choir director at Grace United Methodist Church for 35 years and was presently a member of First Christian Church, having been active in the choir.

Along with Cush Reeves, Mr. Ramsey was honored as the “Voice of the Wildcats” for his many years of announcing games. He was also active in the Community Theater for many years. He belonged to Independent Order of Oddfellows. He was a supporter of the YMCA and the Youth Ball Program for many years. He was a member of the VFW, DAV, and the Ballroom Boys Band that played at the Senior Center and other occasions.

He was predeceased by his parents and a sister, Opal Ramsey Allen. He is survived by wife, Evaun Ramsey of Palestine; two sons, David Ramsey of Palestine and Donnie Ramsey of Manchaca; stepdaughter, Stacy Jamison of Atlanta, Ga.; and two grandchildren, Taylor and Joshua Ramsey; sister, Sarah McLane of Palestine; and several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be David Ramsey, Glenn Conner, Tom Kormondy, Jack Rogers, Tony Rohne, Sidney Walston and Michael Rimes. Honorary pallbearers will be Disciples Class of First Christian Church.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Herrington/Land of Memory Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Choir Fund at the First Christian Church, 113 E. Crawford, Palestine, Texas 75801.

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 05-04-2005