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Robert E. Ransom Jr.

1933 - 2021

Robert E. Ransom Jr. obituary, 1933-2021, Newport News, VA

Robert Ransom Obituary

Robert "Bob" Ransom Jr. went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 28th. Bob was the oldest son of Robert Ransom, Sr., and Esther Ransom. He was born on November 12,1933, in Warrenton, NC. He graduated from John R. Hawkins High School in 1951, and attended Howard University, majoring in Music, during his time at Howard University, Bob pledged the Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity . At Howard University, he met and married Ruth Ransom on April 21,1954. In the same year, Bob joined the Air Force and spent the next 20 years playing with different groups across North, Central, and South America. He spent the last 10 years of his military career at Langley Air Force Base, where he was a Featured soloist with the Tactical Air Command Band and retired in 1975 as a Senior Master Sergeant. Bob joined Hampton University's Faculty in 1980 and worked as Assistant Director of Bands at Hampton until 1985. Following his time at Hampton, Bob was a Professor of Music at The College of William and Mary. In addition, Bob played with the Virginia Symphony, the Great American Music Ensemble, the Renaissance Big Band, the Roy Muth Jazz Band, and the Super Jazz Band. Bob was an active and dedicated member of St. Augustine's Episcopal Church.

Bob was predeceased by his wife, mother, father and brother, James.

Friends are welcomed to attend viewing on Thursday, May 13th, at O.H. Smith & Son Funeral Home at 3009 Chestnut Ave, Newport News Virginia (3pm to 6pm). A private funeral service for Bob Ransom will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 14, 2021 at St. Augustine's Episcopal Church, 2515 Marshall Ave., Newport News, VA. 23607. Due to COVID restrictions the church service will be limited to family and invitees. The interment will follow at Hampton Memorial Gardens at 155 Butler Farm Road, Hampton Virginia. To assure safety for all, please follow current COVID restrictions. Your love and energy from afar will be welcomed and cherished. Flowers and written condolences may be sent to O.H. Smith & Son Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may also be made to St. Augustine's Episcopal Church.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Press on May 12, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Ransom

Sponsored by O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home.

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Ray Mabalot

May 12, 2021

Bob was a great player and great friend. I will miss him always. We had good times playing together in various bands over the years.

Michael C. Robinson

May 12, 2021

Mr. Ransom was a truly amazing person who served as my professor, mentor, advisor and friend. He is loved by many and will be sorely missed. Keeping the family in prayer during this difficult time.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Michael C. Robinson, HU '00

Planted Trees

Jerry Bracey

May 12, 2021

Bob was a great man, a friend to all and a Jazz Legend. I will always remember him as my Brother and a mentor to me when I became the Jazz Ensemble Director at Hampton University,may he rest in peace and God's blesses to his family.

Dana (Rice) Taylor

May 10, 2021

Mr. Ransom was a wonderful man who opened my eyes and heart to embrace the art of Jazz. I called him the soft-spoken teddy bear (it was the beard) who could pull out the best in any musician if you would just trust him. I will never forget the lessons he taught me nor the opportunities that I was afforded through knowing him. Rest In Peace.

Eric Moultrie

May 10, 2021

I met Mr. Ransom as a junior in high school. My older brother who was a student at Hampton told me Mr. Ransom was the man I should meet. From that meeting until this very moment he played a instrumental part in my life. I thank God for the impact you made in my life and will always treasure the love that you and Mrs. Ransom gave to me. Forever grateful! Eric M Moultrie

O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home

May 5, 2021

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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Memorial Events
for Robert Ransom

May

13

Viewing

3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home

3009 Chestnut Avenue, Newport News, VA 23607

May

14

Funeral service

11:00 a.m.

St. Augustine's Episcopal Church

2515 Marshall Ave, Newport News,, VA

Funeral services provided by:

O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home

3009 Chestnut Avenue, Newport News, VA 23607

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