Mr. Joe Ramey

Joe Ellis Ramey, 79, of Henderson passed away on Monday, May 26, 2025. A native of Rusk County and Henderson, he was born in Nacogdoches, Texas on December 3, 1945 to Juanita Sprague and Henry Fountain “Jack” Ramey. (yes, 12345) Raised in Texas he was a rambler of the world, having lived and worked on almost every continent, but always found his way home. As a young man he was a Golden Gloves Championship boxer, with an almost undefeated record. He was drafted into the US Army and stationed in Hawaii where he served in the ring and hearts of his fellow servicemen until returning home. He began a lifelong career in refinery, petroleum and construction working for such companies as Brown & Root, Halliburton, Shell Oil and BP, Zachary Construction, Turner Construction Sports and Evers and Sons Construction. He extensive career placed him as construction leadership on some of the world’s largest refineries, highways, airports and even a few stadiums we all love (Reliant Arena, The Kansas City Chiefs Indoor Fields, University of Florida, University of Georgia and Daikin Park and The New Yankee Stadium). He made friends and fans from The North Sea to Nigeria, but his family was his most precious souvenir in the adventure of life. He was a lifelong man of faith, man of God, and devoted Master Mason to Freemason Deer Park Lodge No. 1362. He is preceded in death by both parents and his older brother, Billy Jack Ramey Sr. Winnie Ramey, his surviving older sister, continues the stewardship for their family and homestead in Henderson. His legacy continues in the lives of children, Joe Brock Ramey and husband Christian Thompson of Charlotte, NC and Dr. Patti Light and husband Jeremy of Waco, Texas. His zeal and outlaw spirit live on with his constant companion and occasional accomplice in life for 28 years, Shantelle Strapps of Conroe. To step-children, nieces, nephews, family of all kinds, near and far, and thousands of friends around the heavens and Earth, he leaves fantastic tales, magnificent memories and the love of a kind and generous man with a heart too big for life but just right for the breadth of heaven. Services will be at Crawford A. Crim Chapel Jun 7, 2025 at 2pm CST. Masonic funeral ceremony will be held at Rusk County Memorial Gardens to follow services. In lieu of flowers the family asks for memorial donations to Rusk County Youth Sports. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.crawfordacrim.com.

Mr. Joe Ramey

December 3, 1945 - May 26, 2025