Jeffrey Ernest Ransdell

Jeff was born at Rex Hospital in Raleigh NC on May 26, 1969. He was the son of Ernest Dickens Ransdell and Jacqueline McCarthy Ransdell of Raleigh. They were chosen by God to have the privilege of being the parents of a blond haired, blue eyed son they adored. Jeff proudly graduated from Sanderson High School in 1991. He was a resident of two different group homes in Raleigh during his adult years, learning to live more independently with roommates who became his friends while being surrounded with support staff who understood his special needs. Jeff enjoyed attending dances, summer sessions at Camp Royal, going to Myrtle Beach with his family every summer, cheering on the Tarheels at UNC football games, going to movies and simply spending precious time with everyone. Any opportunity to socialize was embraced by Jeff, as he was always willing to share a smile, a laugh, a hug or a handshake.

Jeff was a blessing to all who knew him. His cheerful personality was infectious, his laughter and smile were ever-present, and he met his challenges head-on with his unwavering courage and resilience. He was optimistic, brave and innocent -- a true inspiration and one who always believed in the goodness in people. He was kind and unselfish, compassionate, loving and forgiving. His heart was pure, and he loved the Lord. He loved everyone.

In addition to his parents, Jeff was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, John Linus McCarthy and Rosebud Cowan McCarthy, his paternal grandparents, Sylvester Roosevelt Ransdell, Sr. and Lillian Morrison Ransdell, his nephew Shane Spencer Adams, Lynn Cowan McCarthy (aunt), and Sylvester Roosevelt Ransdell, Jr. (Uncle June) and Lillian Somers Ransdell (Aunt Lillie).

Jeff is survived by his sister, Jennifer Ransdell Adams, brother-in-law, Jimmie Lee Adams II and nephew, Cade Connor Adams, all of Fayetteville. Jeff also leaves behind his cousins John Ransdell, Jim Ransdell, Marsha Southers Ransdell and Billy Ransdell, all of the Aberdeen/Pinehurst area. Additionally, Jeff is also survived by his special friend, Susie Eguez. To Susie: thank you for loving Jeff unconditionally, for so many years of support and advocacy on Jeff’s behalf. You were extraordinarily impactful on Jeff’s life, always so unselfishly striving for Jeff to have the best opportunities and the utmost quality of life, particularly after our parents were gone. Please always know how profoundly grateful we are for your presence in his life.

A celebration of Jeff’s life will be held at First Presbyterian Church at 112 S. Salisbury Street, Raleigh NC at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 5, 2021. The family will receive friends at the church at 10:00 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will follow at Raleigh Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorials be made to The Autism Society of NC – Creative Living Program, 6300 Chapel Hill Rd., Suite 140, Raleigh NC 27607. Creative Living is a day supports program where adults with autism receive support to develop greater self-sufficiency, community engagement, creative exploration and social skills guidance. Jeff was a Creative Living participant for many, many years, and this special program brought him much joy, fun and dear friends.

Services provided by Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's Street Raleigh, NC.