Teddy R. Ramey Jr.

Teddy Roosevelt Ramey, Jr., a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, peacefully passed away on January 20, 2026, in Berea, Kentucky, at the age of 92. Born on July 17, 1933, in Elkhorn City, Kentucky, Teddy was born of a coal miner's grit and a farmer's patience-carrying the strength of the Appalachian mountains in his bones and the grounded wisdom of the Kentucky soil in his veins. He was a man of great honor and unwavering resolve, carrying his responsibilities with integrity and loyalty. Ted held a profound reverence for his role as a husband and father. He was married to his wife, Marina, for 65 years, and was guided by both duty and enduring devotion in his marriage to her until her death in 2020. He was a loving father who led his children by action and character. For 26 years, Ted proudly served his nation as a member of the United States Air Force, carrying the responsibility of a serviceman with quiet pride, unwavering discipline, and a deep love of country. His military career took him to all around the world, introducing him to a myriad of experiences that he would later recall with his family and friends with a sparkle in his eye.

Upon retiring from the Air Force, Teddy found solace and joy in the simpler pleasures of life. He was an avid collector of coins, a hobby that reflected his appreciation for history and the stories behind each piece.

He also collected books, baseball cards, art, and National Geographic magazines. His love for knowledge was endless, as was his curiosity about space and science and studied herbal medicine thoroughly and became a sounding board for any ailment. Despite his stoic demeanor, he was a sentimental man and never forgot to send a birthday card to his grandchildren or an acknowledgement for any special occasion greetings to those he held closest to his heart. His love for gardening was evident to anyone who visited his home, where he canned the vegetables he grew, and tended to his garden. He particularly had a special fondness for fruit trees, especially his Paw Paw trees, for which he was known to grow in Sparta. The fruits of his labor were not only evident in the produce he grew but also in how fruitful his family was. Ted had 7 grandchildren, each unique in their own right while they all held a unique reflection of his life and legacy.

Teddy's legacy lives on through his loving family. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marina Stockbridge Ramey, his parents, Teddy R. and Gypsie Adaline Chaney Ramey, and his siblings, Jeanette Hudson, Geneva Padgett, William Ramey, Allie Ramey (infant), Lillian Goodwin, Louella Ramey (infant), James T. Ramey, Ima Ramey (infant), and John Ramey. He is survived by his sister Gaylynne Wells (Richard) of Oklahoma and his brother Jesse (Phyllis) of Tennessee. His memory will forever be cherished by his five surviving children, Brenda Ramey of Berea, Sandra Ramey of Nashville, Gary (Liliana) Ramey of Colorado, Samantha (Majid) Partovi of Pennsylvania, and Nancy (Shane) Bolin of Berea. Teddy was a doting grandfather to seven grandchildren, Daniella, Isabella, Hunter, Katelyn, Ariana, Ryan, and Elayna. He had the joy of meeting his only great-grandchild, Everleigh, whose presence brought him immense happiness and fulfillment.

Teddy's wishes were to be cremated. The family plans to hold a memorial service this spring. Details will be available at www.lakesfuneralhome.com