Michael Ramsey Obituary

Michael Ramsey
November 18, 1949 - June 25, 2021
Durham, North Carolina - Michael Wayne Ramsey, 71, died June 25, 2021 while in hospice care after suffering a massive stroke. He passed peacefully with both of his daughters by his side.
Native to Pearisburg, Virginia, Mike was born on November 18, 1949 in Roanoke, Virginia to Evelyn Kerr Dowdy and Charles Harry Ramsey, both of whom preceded him in death.
Mike graduated from Giles High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. After college, he worked in management for Procter & Gamble, as well as, Frank Paxton Lumber Company in Madeira, Ohio.
Mike was a skilled craftsman, as well as, a musician. In the early 1990's, he left the corporate world to start his own business as a woodworker. Though he did not originally set out to make a life making instruments, over the years, his work eventually specialized to building banjos. To those who had the pleasure of obtaining one of Mike's handcrafted instruments, his talents are regarded as unparalleled. He quickly became known as "Banjo Mike" in the industry and his banjos have been played around the world.
Mike was selfless friend and a true artist - reckless, fun loving, and fearless. He was an exceptional cook and loved nothing more than making those around him happy. He truly never met a stranger and will be missed by many.
Mike is survived by the two creations he was most proud of in his life - his daughters: Sarah Rovnak (husband, Matthew Rovnak) and Rachael Kearns (husband, Joshua Kearns). He is also survived by grandson, Parker Williams; siblings, Gayle Brown and Kevin Ramsey (wife, Marsha Ramsey); as well as, several nieces and nephews.
There will be no memorial service.
A special 'Thank You' goes out to the staff at Hock Family Pavilion Duke Hospice, who provided outstanding support and care during Mike's final hours. His family asks that, if you are so moved, you consider making a donation to Hock Family Pavilion in memory of Mike, 4023 N. Roxboro Street Durham, NC 27704-2119.

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

Published by & from Jun. 28 to Jul. 3, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Ramsey

8 Entries

Garlon Allen

June 22, 2024

For some reason, this notice just popped up reminding me that it´s the anniversary of Mike´s death. This is an update to my last post from a couple of years ago. Coincidentally, I was sitting here playing one of my treasured Mike Ramsey banjos. I now own 3 of them. My latest was from a museum or private collection and it appeared to be unplayed when I got it. It was about 20 years old and it was like it had been in a time capsule. I couldn´t help but think that he was probably one of the last people to touch it before I got it so many years later. I own 3 copies of a video about banjo builders (1 for each banjo for when I pass.). In the video Mike says something like that he hopes that people think kindly of him as they play one of his banjos. I can´t express how much joy Mikes banjos have brought into my life. I am blessed.

Rpeek

April 8, 2023

I have known of his banjos for years and own my second one now. I didn't realize he had passed away. I will treasure my Whyte Ladie he made. God bless.

Marya Aslakson

January 10, 2022

I was so sad to learn of Mike's passing which I just found out about. When I finally got myself banjo lessons I was about 38 years old, elbow-deep in midlife crisis hobbies haha, and was all proud of my American made, simple Deering open back banjo I had found on Craigslist. Then I saw (and heard) my new teacher's banjo. I tried to ignore the impulse to be soooo jealous but it was a Mike Ramsey Chanterelle with the mother of pearl Saturn on the peghead. One of my passions was amateur astronomy and Saturn was my favorite planet! Her banjo sounded so warm and alive and I was beyond smitten. Skip forward a few years and I'm still not over my envy. My husband got very sick (heart related) and we were really struggling financially. I had looked and looked and looked so hard for that same banjo used, but every single time they sold used for almost as much as they went for new. It was hopeless - I just couldn't afford the debt and strain of buying new. Then I thought, I wonder if anyone ever trades in their banjos and has Mike make them a fancier one and somehow Mike gets them back. He did after all make fancier and custom banjos. It was a long shot but what did I have to lose? So I sent an email asking if he ever happens to have used ones. I wrote that I'd been looking for years elsewhere with no luck and that I knew it was unlikely but to please let me know if so. Then I forgot about the email as I knew better than to hold my breath. A few weeks later I was taking a nap and my husband opened the bedroom door and said (clueless about my Ramsey banjo obsession) "Someone named Mike Ramsey's on the phone? Should I take a message?"

I practically ripped the phone out of his hand and calmly said hello.

WOW. What a kind soul he was! We chatted and chatted about music, our families and children, his workshop, North Carolina where I'd visited when I was 16 (I live in Oregon), the banjo community and what nice people they all are... He said he was sorry to tell me that he didn't have any banjos people had exchanged and I said of course, silly idea, and that was just fine. After about an hour of talking we got off the phone with the agreement that he was going to sell me (and send to me) his own personal Chanterelle banjo (!!) in a new hard case (!!!) for a discounted price and also as a partial trade to stay for free at my mom's literary themed b&b hotel on the Oregon coast should he ever come to the NW. I think I only paid $700 for this beloved banjo and case - and the banjo didn't have a single scratch on it. They were selling at the time for around $1,500 if memory serves. I've always wondered if it really was his own banjo or if he had one ready to be sold that he simply charged me less (much less) for. It's gorgeous...well they all are...but it smelled like fresh wood and again was just flawless. I think I even asked him if he was just saying it was his own (which for me would indeed have been even better!) and he insisted that it was, chuckling and saying he takes it off the wall now and again to play.

I hope Mike's passing was fairly quick. My mom had a devastating stroke in Feb of 2020 and she's no longer the same person. I'm so sorry Mike's gone but am grateful he didn't linger and suffer. I heard about the fire of his workshop and am so sorry about this as well. I hope he found peace after what I imagine must have been such a devastating loss.

I didn't really know him obviously, but selfless is a word that seems to describe him well. His generosity of spirit (and of the banjo itself) meant so much to me at a time when I was really suffering. I'll never forget him and his kindness. Rest in peace, sweet man.

Ken Rattenbury

August 7, 2021

So sorry to see about Mike's passing in this month's Banjo Newsletter. I am proud to have known him as an instrument dealer and friend. Unfortunately we lost touch over the last few years. My deepest sympathy for his family.

Garlon Allen

June 28, 2021

I have never met Mike Ramsey but I am the proud owner of two of his wonderful banjos. I have had many compliments on the beauty and sound of my (his) banjos and they given me many happy hours during my retirement. I´m saddened by his passing.

Laura Rovnak Keneally

June 28, 2021

He sounds like a wonderful man. I am sorry to not have had the opportunity to meet him. My deepest sympathies to Sarah and Rachel and the rest of his family. Our thoughts are with you.

Carey mccleese

June 27, 2021

I will think of Mike and smile everytime, he was a good friend and we spent many days laughing , He was very proud of his girls and we will pray for them and I believe Mike is home in heaven.

Dale Morris

June 27, 2021

I didn't know Mike personally, but I've held and played several of his finely crafted banjos in my hands through the years. As a banjo collector myself, he sure made some truly wonderful instruments.

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