On July 28, 2022, Marshall Cornwell Ramsey, Jr. age 92, died peacefully at his home surrounded by his family. He was the devoted husband of 60 years to May Luce Ramsey. Other family surviving includes his daughter Sarah Ramsey Cuttino (John) and their children, Thomas Armstrong Cuttino and Eleanor MacFarlane Cuttino; his son, Marshall Cornwell Ramsey, III (Cathy) and their children, Sidney Grace Ramsey and Elizabeth Parks Ramsey. He also leaves behind his sisters, Frances Ramsey Gardner of Monroe, LA, and Jane Ramsey of Irvine, CA; a sister-in-law, Ann Luce Fishburne; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Marshall was predeceased by his sister, Mary Ann Ramsey Clarke of Memphis, TN.
Born November 1, 1929, in Hartsville, SC, son of Marshall Cornwell Ramsey and Eliza Frances Hoyle Ramsey, Marshall grew up in Greenwood, MS. He entered the University of Mississippi in 1947, then served as an Airman in the U.S. Navy aboard the aircraft carriers USS Bairoko and USS Badoeng Strait. He returned to Ole Miss to graduate with a BA in English in 1952. At Ole Miss, he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity.
Marshall was employed as an Accounting Superintendent at USF&G Insurance Company for nearly 30 years, first in Memphis, TN, then in Columbia from 1958 – 1986. During his lifetime, he maintained memberships in the American Legion, Columbia Rotary Club, Elk's Club, St. Andrews Society, SC Debutante Ball, and Forest Lake Club. Marshall was a member of Washington Street United Methodist Church.
He had many interests. He was an avid gardener and created a beautiful backyard oasis which gave him and his family countless hours of enjoyment. Marshall was a health enthusiast and an early member of the Columbia Running Club. And for more than 50 years, he meticulously researched his own family history and became a mentor to numerous future genealogists.
Marshall was an enthusiastic collector of stamps, coins, Civil War artifacts, and memorabilia, but his tremendous collection of 78s and LP albums was his pride and joy. His love and knowledge of music began in elementary school when his music teacher played classical music on the Victrola. Big Band, Jazz, Blues, Boogie, and Classical were his favorite genres. But his most cherished collection was his vast network of faithful friends from Mississippi who he kept in constant communication through his letters and email newsletters.
There will be a private graveside service in Elmwood Cemetery on Tuesday, August 2, 2022. The family will receive friends from 11 until 1 o'clock at Shives Funeral Home at 7600 Trenholm Road, Ext.
Memorials may be made to Warren F. Hoyle American Legion Post 82, 1628 S. Lafayette Street, Shelby, NC 28150, named in honor of Marshall's uncle or to a charity of one's choice.