Joseph William Ramsey

I was born in Dayton, Ohio on June 23, 1957, to Joan and Norman “Randy” Ramsey. The world was a different place then. Society didn’t necessarily welcome kids with Down Syndrome, but my mom and dad treated me just like the rest of my brothers and sisters and soon, everyone loved me! How can you hide my smile?

I was blessed with my loving sisters and brothers, Nieces and Nephews, along with my Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins that I so looked forward to seeing. We shared laughter, love, and the secret language of how to treat others, as we would like to be treated ourselves. I trust my brothers and sisters to tell my story here.

I lost my dad when I was only 18, and my little sister Ann just two years later, those were tough ones for me as my dad and I were always together, and I so loved my Annie. It was so hard for me to go to church after that without crying about them. I finally got over that with my nephews getting married, I then was able to think of the happiness of being in church. I was lucky enough to participate in my nephews’ weddings and being able to give a toast to the bride and groom.

My mother and father gave me life and my brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and many friends gave me A life. I couldn’t have asked for more loving parents, siblings, family and friends. They were my teachers and champions. They gave me the world, everyone accepted me as ‘Big Joe Ramsey.” My father shared his love with me, and he helped me be the best Sheriff in the neighborhood, as I toted my six shooter, cowboy hat and Sheriff badge and sometimes I wore a glove on my one hand. My mom taught me how to swim, ski and golf.

My family took me on a journey with them. I have walked along the beautiful beaches of Florida and swam in beautiful Lincoln lake in Michigan many times. I have been to forests and hiking parks where I saw many beautiful sights of nature with my sisters, Cindy and Susan. I also very much looked forward to visits from my brother, Mike and his wife Susan.

As you well know, I had a love for music and dance, and I didn’t miss a chance to dance with all the pretty girls. I could also give the best smooches and hugs around. I lifted my voice in song to sing at church and I’m pretty sure that everyone could hear me over the others. I loved to dance to the Macarena and Polka with the best of them, including my Grams. I loved spiral notebooks, calendars, appointment books, my beloved watch collection that HAD to have beeps. I loved to play cards with my mom and sisters, I also participated in Special Olympics. I was Tim’s softball coach for many years. After every softball tournament that we won, the team always gave me the Trophy, not that I gave them much choice. All the players were my good friends. I so looked forward to the pizza and Big Party after his games. I loved watching Cops and WWE Wrestling. I especially loved staying at Tony and Shana’s (Gina’s) house many weekends and most holidays. I was so excited when Shana and Tony told me that they were going to have a baby. They asked me what they should name it, without hesitation I knew the perfect name, “Uncle Joe.” Thank goodness they ended up having a boy. I couldn’t get them to stay with the Uncle Joe, but we compromised by naming him after both Tony and I, Anthony Joseph.

Don’t be sad, I am with my dad and sister along with many good friends and relatives that I have so missed. I had such a great life, we all had fun when together didn’t we? I would be remiss without a note to all my women, I LOVED YOU ALL!

Thank you all for my wonderful life. I most certainly lived it large! I am looking down at you all with my great big smile!

He is preceded in death by his father Norman “Randy” Ramsey and his sister Ann. He is survived by his mother Joan Ramsey Bigelow, sisters Cindy Ramsey and Dallas Love, Susan Ramsey and Terry Zimmerman, brothers Timothy and Cheryl Ramsey, and Michael and Susan Ramsey, Nephews Tony & Shana Ramsey & sons, Blake & AJ, Timmy, and children Makenna & Mason Ramsey, Steven Ramsey, Matthew & Heather R Ramsey & son, Cameron, Robert & Emily Kraft, Kevin Kraft & Daughter, Aspen, Nieces, Sara Kraft & Tyler Topp and Heather N. Ramsey-Vergara & Francisco, and brother-in-law Paul Kraft.

A celebration of Joe’s life shall be held at Tobias Funeral Home, Beavercreek Chapel, Friday, July 26 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Final resting place and service is at St. Henry’s Memorial Chapel at Calvary Cemetery, on Saturday, July 27 at 10:00, with graveside services following.

Memorial contributions can be made to:

Homecroft, 245 Valley Road, Xenia, Ohio 45335 or, The Special Olympics of Dayton. www.tobiasfuneralhome.com.