Cecil E. Ramsey

Cecil Elvin Ramsey, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on August 7, 2025, in Silver Spring, Maryland. He was 88.

Born in Charleston, West Virginia, to Carmel and Flora Ramsey, Cecil was the fourth of five children. Life on the farm taught him to work hard, use his hands, and value family above all. By age nine, he was delivering newspapers; by 13, he was working in a gas station. At Widen High School, he played on the first racially integrated teams in West Virginia, learning lessons in courage and loyalty that stayed with him.

Cecil worked in coal mining and construction and, for 33 years, in the Government Printing Office Carpenter Shop. A gifted woodworker, he filled homes with his handmade furniture, toys, and gifts and was always ready to help a friend or neighbor.

He married his high school sweetheart, Ruth Ann Lykins, on June 19, 1960. They shared a life of devotion, humor, and service. They raised their daughter Carol in Hyattsville and cherished their four grandsons—Noah, Samuel, Jonah, and Daniel—who loved spending time in Papaw’s woodshop.

Cecil’s life was rich with family, friendships, and travel, especially in the family motorhome. Known for his colorful sayings (“as handy as a pocket on a shirt”), he believed in showing up early, working hard, and lending a hand without complaint.

He is survived by his daughter Carol (Curtis), his grandsons Noah (McKinley), Samuel, Jonah, Daniel, and his sister Janet. His beloved Ruth, his parents, and siblings James, Gene, and Jewel preceded him in death.

Services will be held at University Baptist Church on August 16, 2025, at 1:15 p.m. (Masonic Service) and 2:00 p.m. (Memorial Service). Both services are open to the public. University Baptist Church is at 3515 Campus Drive, College Park, Maryland.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Democracy Forward.