Floyd M. Ramsey

Floyd M. Ramsey, 82, passed away April 16th at his home in Phoenix. He was born in Phoenix on March 22, 1926, to Clay and Virgie Ramsey. Floyd served in the Army Air Corps from 1943-45 as a radio repairman. Upon his discharge, he joined his father's business, Ramsey's Radio Repair, on the corner of Seventh Street and Weldon Ave. The two built a small recording studio next to the repair shop and a barber shop. The building later expanded to include television sales and repair and the Valley's first self-serve record outlet, Recordland. The small studio area grew in the mid 1950s to become Audio Recorders of Arizona, where the worldwide hits "The Fool" (56) and "Rebel Rouser" (58) were created. By 1963, the company was successful enough to invest in a large, state-of-the-art recording studio at 3830 N. Seventh Street. Recording music, tape duplication and advertising clients continued to grow the company. In the early 70's Floyd became a Sony video equipment distributor and the business name changed to Audio Video Recorders of Arizona. Floyd's musical clients over the years included stars Duane Eddy, Wayne Newton, Waylon Jennings, Sanford Clark, Skip & Flip, Donna Fargo, Elton John and hundreds more, many of whom first released records on Floyd's own Liberty Bell, MCI, Rev and Ramco record labels. In 1991, Floyd and Mary sold their successful business and enjoyed their remaining days together traveling far and wide as well as spending lots of time with family and friends in their second home in Prescott. Floyd was a kind, generous and caring man. He loved his family and friends and was respected and admired by all who knew him For his contribution to Arizona popular culture, he was inducted into The Arizona Music and Entertainment Hall Of Fame in 2005. He is survived by his loving wife and partner of 64 years Mary Faye, son Tim, daughter Dorenda (Misencik) both of Phoenix, four grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 9am to 11am, with a funeral service at 11am, Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at Messinger Mortuary, 7601 E. Indian School Rd. in Scottsdale.  A graveside service is scheduled following the service at Paradise Memorial Gardens, 9300 E. Shea Blvd., in Scottsdale. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be sent to Hospice Of The Valley, 1510 East Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ. (602) 530-6900.