Virgil Lanier Ramage

RAMAGE, VIRGIL LANIER, 86, of Lakeland, FL, passed away Monday, January 15, 2007. Born August 19, 1920 in Hampton, KY, Virgil was the son of Oscar T. and Florence Randolph Ramage. He moved to the Central Florida area in 1923. Growing up, Virgil lost his left arm in a hunting accident. That accident did not dampen his desire to play football as he played for Titusville High School. It was that experience that he claimed was the most beneficial thing that every happened to him. “It helped instill in me confidence and the philosophy I've carried through my life. It's amazing what anyone can accomplish if they're willing to try and give up a few things.” He graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in math and science and a master's degree in educational and administrative supervision. He was also on the intramural tennis team and was champion for three years. His first teaching job was at Osceola High School, Kissimmee, where he taught math and coached all sports. After a year he served as executive secretary of the Office of Rationing and Price Administration during World War II and then returned to teaching at the University of Florida. In 1945 he moved to Polk County as a teacher and coach at Haines City High School. “When I first went to Haines City High School to teach, you could put all the scientific equipment in the front seat of my car,” Virgil once recalled. In 1947, he went to Lake Alfred Elementary-Junior High School as principal where he served until 1960 when he became a supervising principal of the Kathleen area. In 1964 he became assistant superintendent of Polk County Schools where he served in Bartow until 1978. From 1954-60 he served as a member of the Lake Alfred City Commission. He served as mayor of Lake Alfred as well as city judge from 1955-60. Golf was his main hobby through the years as he won over 80 trophies and the National Amputee Arm Championship twice. In 1978 the Polk County School Board voted to name the new stadium at Lake Gibson High School the Virgil L. Ramage Stadium, honoring him as a man who devoted so much of his life to the well being of the Polk County School System, parents and students. At his retirement then Chairman Dan Moody described Ramage as “the asprin for the school board's headaches.” Another board member said “he soaks up information like a sponge and to many people he is like an institution.” Virgil was a member of Gibsonia Baptist Church, Lakeland, FL. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 62 years, Eleanor Campbell Ramage and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be 5-7PM, Friday, Jan. 19 at Gentry-Morrison Northside Chapel. Funeral services are scheduled for 10AM, Saturday at the Gibsonia Baptist Church. Interment will be at 3PM Saturday in Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Kissimmee. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be sent to Gibsonia Baptist Church, 5440 U.S. Highway 98, North, Lakeland, FL 33809 designated for the “Building Fund”.