William Forrest Ranson

RANSON, William Forrest, A wise man we know once said, "Don't believe nothing of what you hear and only half of what you see".

William Forrest Ranson, husband, son, brother, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2023 following his long and courageous battle with cancer.

May your sweet soul rest in peace.

Forrest was preceded in death by his father, Rickey Forrest Ranson; his aunt, Teresa Dale Ranson; his paternal grandmother, Delores Gregory Ranson; and his maternal grandfather, David M. "Sonny" Tinsley, Jr.

He is survived by his wife, Macy Dowdle Ranson; as well as her parents, Doug and April Dowdle; brothers, Kenneth Dowdle (Catherine and children), Spencer Dowdle (Andrea and children), and Chase Dowdle.

He is also survived by his mother and her husband, Teresa Ranson Murphey and William H "Trip" Murphey III; his sister and her spouse, Anna K. Ranson-Williams (Brooklyn and son, Maverick); his brother Cameron T. Murphey; his grandmothers, Pamela S. Tinsley (Sonny); Beverly S. Tinsley; Trip' s parents, William H. "Bill" Murphey, Jr (Carolyn), aunts, Michelle E. Tinsley (and son); Danielle T. Smith (Don) as well as many cousins.

On his father's side, Forrest is survived by his paternal grandfather, William R. "WR" Ranson (Delores G); his aunt, Tamara R. Anderson (David); as well as his cousin.

Forrest was born and raised in Powhatan County. It's the place where he was most at home and chose to be laid to rest. He was a business and marketing graduate of Radford University. His early work experiences included insurance sales at Northwestern Mutual, managing a golf pro-shop while at Radford, serving as caddy at the Foundry Golf Club and more than a few years under the kind and guiding arm of his step-father, Trip, at Murphey Inc., where he brought along 'more than a few' of his buddies who were in need of work and wanted to learn a trade. He loved working with his hands; whether it was illustration, carpentry and woodworking, re-building his guitar or metal work. Detail and workmanship mattered.

Forrest was a friend to many.

The family would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to each and every person who touched his life. Whether it was a preschool or grade school teacher or friend; a teammate or coach on the baseball field (Big Unit) or golf course; a brother and buddy at Radford or in Kappa Sig; a hunt club pal or fishing partner (loved the outdoors and scored a citation on his birthday), or the best men in his recent wedding; you each made an impact on his life.

We want to extend our thanks to the skilled members of his medical team at MCV, Khalil Kitami who was his loyal friend and helped with transport, and countless other nurses and caregivers who ministered to him in his greatest time of need.

Forrest was courageous to the end and did his best to be a good husband and son.

We are very proud of him and are blessed by the gift of his time with us. In honor of his compassionate spirit and courageous heart, we encourage you to contribute to Special Love Camp Fantastic. This non-profit is dear to his late grandfather's heart. Special Love strives to give kids with cancer happy moments and memories as they face this disease. A memorial account has been established at Village Bank for this cause. You can also mail checks to: Pam Tinsley 329 Kernel Ct, N. Chesterfield VA 23236.

In addition to Special Love, we encourage you to consider donations to Powhatan United Methodist Church, the church of Forrest's formative years. It was in this space that his love of giving and helping began. He was particularly proud of the Stop Hunger Now/Rise Against Hunger program which provides meals for impoverished areas. We fondly remember him giving his allowance to the cause, speaking before the congregation about it and helping to pack meal kits. The drive is underway now and you can help in packing meals or with donation to PUMC/Rise Against Hunger, 2253 Rosson Rd, Powhatan VA 23139.

Our family requests time right now to heal and to minister to other family members in hospice care. We will gather together for a celebration event to honor and rejoice in Forrest's life. Details will be announced at a future time. All will be welcome.

John 8:12, "I AM the light of the world, whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."