Curtis Edward Ramey

1930 - 2012

Curtis Edward Ramey, 81, passed into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Easter Sunday, April 8, 2012, in Fort Worth from natural causes. Memorial service: 2 p.m. Saturday at Bridgewood Church of Christ, 6516 Brentwood Stair Road at Loop 820, Fort Worth. Interment: There will be a private placement at a later date. Memorials: Expressions of sympathy may be made to a charity of choice; he supported many causes. Curtis was born July 22, 1930, in Huntsville, Ala. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, rising to the rank of staff sergeant in less than three years. He declined an appointment to officers' candidate school to enroll at the University of Alabama, where he received a B.A. degree and a juris doctor degree from UA Law School. While in school in Tuscaloosa, he met Edwina Collins and the two were married Dec. 19, 1953. His legal career began as an attorney-adviser at Red Stone Arsenal in Huntsville. He later began private practice and was subsequently elected as a county judge. During this tenure he was also appointed as the Madison County Juvenile Court judge. In 1962, he moved to Texas to pursue doctoral studies at Abilene Christian and became the minister at Anson Church of Christ. In 1965, he was chosen to be president of Fort Worth Christian College, which position he resigned in late 1969 to pursue other opportunities. During this time, he was also engaged in public speaking, having spoken in 14 states on patriotic themes. For these endeavors he was awarded the George Washington Honor Medal from the Freedoms Foundation in Valley Forge, Pa. His earned degrees - including doctor of divinity - pale in comparison to the honorary degrees and recognitions he received. The rest of his career was spent in law, real estate and investment, and he excelled in all of these fields. But he was always a gospel preacher, serving many churches of Christ as either pulpit minister or guest speaker. During his life he preached over 7,000 sermons and baptized more than 800 people. He was also one of the best bass singers many have heard. He loved singing praise to the Lord; in addition to four published books, he wrote 11 gospel songs. Just as his career covered many areas, so did his interests. He had a very outgoing personality, and everyone who met him immediately felt at ease. He was interested in anything and everything. He loved his family and friends. He loved to be playful and joke and interact with others. More than anything, though, he loved his God. And we are sure he is with Him now. Everyone who knew him loved him for his demeanor, talents and genuine concern for their well-being. He touched so many lives during his stay with us that all can say "our lives are better for having known him." I know of no greater legacy than that. The final words of the suggestions he left for his memorial service are these: "It has been a glorious trip. God has richly blessed." Curtis was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Eva Ramey; and three brothers, Thomas, Edwin and Doyle Ramey. Survivors: Wife, Edwina Ramey; sons, Thomas Ramey and Mark Ramey, all of Fort Worth; granddaughter, Sara Edwina Ramey of Washington, D.C.; brother, Donald Ramey and wife, Emily, of Hazel Green, Ala.; brother and sister-in-law, Jess and Helen Phillips of Albany; sister-in-law, Joan Collins Gay of Scottsboro, Ala.; many dear nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; a great host of brothers and sisters in Christ; and many special friends and neighbors.