Roger Lane Ramey

Roger Lane Ramey passed away, at the age of 72 on Saturday, June 25th, 2022. He was born on August 6, 1949 to John (coal miner) and Naomi Ramey in Lookout, KY, an unincorporated community and coal town in Pike County. In 1953 the family moved to Smithers, West Virginia until 1955. Then they moved back to Kentucky where they lived in the coal camp of Henry Clay. In 1960 with six children they moved to Columbus, Ohio, and in 1961 returned to Kentucky living in Daniels Creek, then to Elkhorn City until the fall of 1969, moving to Louisville, KY after his father, John retired from the coalmines due to health problems. At this time Roger had already been living in Louisville since 1967 working various jobs with many dreams of a career in the music business. In 1970 he decided to encourage his younger sister, Patty to perform with him in many of the local clubs like Big Moes, high school gyms, small venues and the famous “Lincoln Jamboree” in Hodgenville, KY, under the name “The Singing Swinging Rameys”.

In 1971 they traveled to Nashville, TN after being invited by the Wilburn Brothers, who happened to see the two youngsters opening a show at the Louisville Gardens. They ended up going to Porter Wagoner’s office and he invited them to stay the weekend to enjoy the taping of Wagoner’s show where they met Dolly Parton, and attended the Grand Ole Opry backstage. That was the trip that convinced Roger to move to Nashville in 1972 along with their manager at that time, Ray Ferguson. Patty would go back and forth to Nashville until she finished school.

After graduating from Fairdale High in 1975, Patty went to live with Roger where they continued to work on their musical dreams in Nashville. They were taken under the wings of The Wilburn Brothers. In 1976 Patty married and moved to North Carolina. Roger continued to live in Nashville working in many places associated with the music industry. He supervised two gift shops, two record stores for (Music Mart USA). Then he became Executive Director for the Country Music Wax Museum. He also moved to Los Angeles for 6 months to study drama.

Returning to Nashville in 1985, Patty along with the help and contacts of Roger, was able to get her a recording deal with MCA records under the name (Loveless). He managed her for five years until his health forced him to retire from the business in 1991, moving back to Louisville, KY. There he shifted his focus to friends, family and taking care of his health. The slower pace suited him, and he maintained a network of friends in and out of the music business.

He had an infectious personality that many were drawn to, which made him a great salesman, too. He was an amazing singer, dancer, awesome cook, sharp dresser and a dear loving brother. His home and arms were always open to family and friends. He will be greatly missed, but, buried in our hearts forever.

Patty Loveless ~

Roger, I thank God for you…the wind beneath my wings.

Fly high my dear brother

Roger is survived by his brothers, John (Jaynee) Ramey, Michael (Carol) Ramey, Jeff (Dyan) Ramey; sisters Ruth (Tiny) Grumman and Patty (Emory) Gordy/Loveless. He is preceded in death by his parents John & Naomi Ramey, and his sisters Dottie (Hannum) Amick and Rhodicie (Dallas) Tomes; and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation for Roger will be held Monday, July 11, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Arch L. Heady at Resthaven, 4400 Bardstown Road, Louisville, Kentucky 40218, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that memorial donations be made to the Opry Trust Fund (One Gaylord Drive, Nashville, TN 37214).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.archlheadyresthaven.com for the Ramey family.