Granville “Bud” Ramsey, 87, passed away at 12:50 a.m. Monday, Sept. 28, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.
He was born Aug. 22, 1928, near Hindsboro, a son of Clyde Lemuel and Neva Belle (Thomas) Ramsey. He married Aleen Motley on Dec. 15, 1947; she passed away Sept. 12, 2010.
He is survived by two daughters, Carolyn Agan of Hindsboro and Beverly (Harold) Hunt of Oakland; four grandchildren, Chad (Shelly) Agan of Charleston, Janice Hunt of Oakland, Ryan “Bert” Agan of Hindsboro, and Craig (Heather) Hunt of Oakland; three great-grandchildren, Nicholas Agan of Charleston and Ramsey Hunt and Kaylenn Hunt of Oakland; a sister, Frances (Bob) Wells of Camargo; and a brother, Homer (Lena) Ramsey of Arcola.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Bessie Miller, Louise Pierson, Neoma “Toots” Harvey and Bonnie Mason; and a brother, Johnnie Ramsey.
Bud attended the Eversole country school and was a 1946 graduate of Hindsboro High School, where he was a standout athlete.
On Aleen’s 18th birthday, they married at the Hindsboro United Methodist Church. He farmed and worked various jobs before taking a job at USI in Tuscola, where his impressive math skills made him a well-respected pipefitter.
In 1966, Bud was named manager of the brand new Sohigro fertilizer facility in Kemp. The company named him Manager of the Year twice, earning trips to Hawaii and Arizona for himself and Aleen. He made many lifelong friends of area farmers. He retired from the company, which by then was known as Terra, and later worked a short time at Pierce Fertilizer Co. in Camargo.
He served on the Hindsboro Village Board before being elected mayor, a post he held for eight years.
He was a member of the Hindsboro Christian Church, as well as the Ashmore Masonic Lodge, from which he received a 50-year pin in 2004.
He was a licensed pilot, flying small planes out of the Coles County Memorial Airport, where he was a member of the Flying Club. He liked to watch the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears and the Fighting Illini. Other hobbies included golfing and bowling. He attended all of his grandchildren’s school events that he could.
Bud never met a stranger. His charm, sharp wit, positive attitude, sparkling eyes and crooked smile made him instant friends with people wherever he went.
Most of all, he adored his wife and family. He was grateful to have lived a good, full life. The light he brought to our lives will be very much missed.
The family thanks the staff of Hilltop Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Charleston for their loving care.
The visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, at the Oakland Christian Church. A memorial service will follow at 7 p.m. at the church. The family will hold a private inurnment at a later date. Krabel Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
The family suggests memorials be made to the Hindsboro Civic Center.
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Oakland, IL
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Oakland, IL
