William Bruce Ramey

William Bruce Ramey, age 66, of Cool Ridge, WV passed away on Sunday, May 9, 2021 at Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital. Born on March 8, 1955 in Oak Hill, WV, he was the son of the late William Bradford Ramey and the late Pauline Elizabeth Coy Ramey.

Bruce was a 1973 graduate of Mt. Hope High School and shortly after graduation he entered the United States Marine Corps. Before being honorably discharged as a Corporal, Bruce served as a Crew Chief and aircraft and engine mechanic with Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1) at Marine Base Quantico, VA. Throughout his service, Bruce received numerous accolades including the National Defense Service Medal, the Presidential Service Badge #5185, the Aircrewman Insignia, and the Rifle Expert Badge. Bruce did his best to live the rest of his life by the Marine Corps motto, Semper Fidelis.

Before retiring, Bruce worked for over 37 years as a heavy machinery mechanic for Boyd CAT Construction (formerly Walker Machinery) in Crab Orchard. He was also a Scout Master for Troop 295 in Shady Spring, WV. Throughout his life, Bruce was an avid outdoorsman, enjoyed shooting sports, hunting, history, and traveling. Bruce was a lifelong Mountaineer fan who instilled in his sons a strong work ethic, self-reliance, and kindness.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Pauline Ramey and grandson Brayden. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 39 years, Rita Law Ramey; sons, William “Will” Ramey, Shannon Ramey and his wife, Keri, and grandson August Ramey; brother-in-law, Ken Mills and his wife, Chris; nephew Josh Mills, his wife, Stacy, and great-nephews, Jace and Asher; sister-in-law, Cathy Merritt, nephew Christopher Merritt and his wife, Rachael, and nephew Jonathan Merritt.

A Celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, May 16, 2021 at 2:00 pm in the Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral Home with Chaplain Brian White officiating. Military Honors will be rendered by the Mercer County Veterans Honor Guard following the service at the funeral home.

Bruce’s Celebration of Life Service will be held via Facebook LIVE on Blue Ridge Funeral Home & Memorial Garden’s Facebook page beginning at 1:55 pm

In accordance with the current CDC guidelines, the staff of Blue Ridge Funeral Home require those who attend the service wear proper facial coverings and practice social distancing at all times.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.blueridgefuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to the Colonel Frank E. Millner Memorial Scholarship Fund. Donations can be mailed to: Ron Berube, 12527 Regiment Lane, Fredericksburg, VA 22407. Checks should be made out to MCAA and put “MILLNER SCHOLARSHIP” in the memo line.