On Saturday, September 15, 2018, Johnny Karl Ramsey Sr., loving husband, father and grandfather, of Hampton, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 73.
Johnny was born on March 13, 1945 in Elizabethton, Tenn., to Rhudy and Kathleen Ramsey. He was a graduate of Hampton High School, Class of 1963. After high school, he served in the National Guard until 1969. He worked as a mechanic and service manager for Bunton Chevrolet for over 25 years. He owned his own business, John’s Auto Clinic, for several years, before retiring for health reasons. In September 1969, he married Linda I. Lewis, and they raised one son, Johnny Karl Ramsey Jr.
Johnny had a passion for gun collecting, fast cars and Harley-Davidsons. He loved being outdoors and spending time with his grandchildren. He also loved driving his “Rambo” truck. He attended Union Baptist Church.
Johnny was preceded in death by his father, Rhudy; his mother, Kathleen; and his wife, Linda. Also, by his brothers, Rhudy H. Ramsey “Snooks”, Hopewell Va., Frank E. Ramsey, Hampton, and Harry L Ramsey “Bobby”, Elizabethton; and his nephew, Jerry L. Ramsey Sr.
He is survived by his son, Johnny K. Ramsey Jr. and wife Christa; his sister, Dottie Higgins; and his grandchildren, Leighton (“Kitten”), John-Evan (“JohnBoy”), Devin, Landon, Lyndie and Conner Ramsey. He is also survived by nephews, Jeffrey D. Ramsey and Richard H. Ramsey, and nieces, Lisa Odom and Karen VanDyke.
Special friends he loved: Linda Guy, “Frog Greenwell”, “Speck” Smith, Gary Shingleton, Earl Campbell, and Gary Trivette (deceased).
The graveside service will be conducted at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, September 22, in the Lakeview Cemetery, Butler, with Mr. Mike Fritts officiating. Burial will follow the service. Pallbearers: John-Evan, Devin and Landon Ramsey, Ronnie Heaton, Kenneth Chambers, David Lund, Joe Vance, Richard Ramsey and Chris Kasting. Honorary pallbearers: Johnny Ashley, John Shell, Bobby Morton, Ray Lewis, Randy Lewis, Eddie Guinn, Matt Hyatt, Mark Range and Terry Arnold. The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to the family at our website, www.memorialfcelizabethton.com.
Memorial Funeral Chapel is serving the Ramsey family.