Ramsey Cathey

1932 - 2025

Ramsey Cathey

Feb 2, 1932 - Nov 14, 2025

Ramsey Lee Cathey, was born February 2,1932, to Graham and Essie Cathey, in Winston-Salem, NC, and affectionately known by family and friends as "Boobie," departed this life on Friday, November 14, 2025, after an extended illness, at the age of 93. Ramsey was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His journey on this earth was one marked by love and compassion. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who loved his family. He had an infectious laugh, and his passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many others whose lives were touched by him. He is preceded in death by his parents, Graham and Essie (Hairston) Cathey, siblings, Graham Cathey, Jr (Preach), Reginald E. Cathey (Red), Eva (Cathey) Allen, his nephew, Reginald E. Cathey, Jr., and his first wife, Bernice Cathey. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of almost 56 years, Ida Powell Cathey, his daughters, Ramonda Cathey Kyser and Ramaine Cathey Cain, and his sons, Donald C. Thomas (Sharon) and Garrett Tillerson. He leaves behind his grandchildren, Kennedy R. Kyser, Braylen D. Cain, Emily and Rachel Tillerson, and Kennell and Maurice Caesar. He also leaves behind his nieces, Donza (Cathey) Friende (Billy), Ranella Cobbs, Pam Bolling and nephew, Claude Allen, Jr., as well as a host of cousins and other family members who loved him dearly. Ramsey was educated in the Winston-Salem Forsyth County school system and had the distinct honor to attend and graduate high school from the historic Lincoln Academy in Kings Mountain, NC, which was a boarding and day school for African American students, established in 1888. After high school, he briefly attended Teacher's College, now known as Winston-Salem State University, before moving to Philadelphia to work. While in Philadelphia, he earned a degree from an electronic school. Throughout his career, he worked for Western Electric, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, and retired from National Can (formerly Schlitz and Strohs). He was a quality control manager in the cannery. Outside of family and work, Ramsey was an avid golfer and enjoyed golf trips to Sawgrass, Doral, and Myrtle Beach with his golf crew the Bogie Bunch. He was the best dancer and loved to show off his skills, especially in ballroom dancing. He took interest in technology, owning several computers and all the latest gadgets, and spent hours on the phone with his brother in Alabama building his very own computer. More recently, he became known as the Cathey family historian and researched the family's ancestry dated back to the 1700's. We ask that you remember him not for the way his life ended, but for the way he lived, and for the profound impact he had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him. Funeral services will be held at 11:30am Wednesday November 19 2025 at First Baptist Church, 700 Highland Ave. The family will receive friends from 11am-11:30am at the church. Interment will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to hooperfuneralhome.net.