Life's Reflection

Joseph Ramsey's sunrise began on Sunday, February 24,1929 as the youngest of eight children collectively born to the late Mr. and Mrs. Andrew and Marie Nesbitt Ramsey.

He was very loved and spoiled by all of his sisters as the baby boy! Sadly, his sunset came at a blessed age of 97 years on Friday morning, February 27, 2026. While much of his early years were spent in the downtown area near the Projects where he attended school in Charleston County, he's been a native of SeeWee Road, Awendaw, for most of his life.

As a member of First SeeWee Missionary Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of the late Rev. Henry H. Dayson, Joseph sang on the Senior Choir along with his sisters Hattie and Viola using his strong bass voice. Hearing him try to out sing and out-play the harmonica with his community friends, the late Freddie Young, Melvin Smith, Sidney Smith, and Alex Bradley on Saturdays was always hilarious, but a joy!! They were the Awendaw version of the Five Blind Boys, especially after tea time!

He was employed by the Southern Lumber Millwork Company, owned and operated by the Albrecht Family for over 50 years, as a Truck Driver-Delivery Operator. He was more than an employee to the late Benjamin "Ben" Albrecht, he was a special friend!! Ben would always share whatever he caught from his fishing and hunting trips and gifts at Christmas and for his birthday.

He met, courted, and was married to the late Josephine White Ramsey for over 52 years at the time of her passing 18 years ago November 9, 2007. She affectionately called him "Bolly. Knowing what they would need as parents in the days to come, God in his infinite wisdom blessed this union with a daughter and their only child, Deborah.

Joseph was mostly quiet, sometimes funny, but always no nonsense! He loved Westerns, occasional visits from family and friends, and talking on the phone with his first cousin Leroy Nesbitt, Sr., and niece Mary Louise, literally for hours at a time until the cordless phone got hot!

He was often sought after for info as a 'back in the day historian" and sometimes present day by his family. You named it, he could tell it!

Left to cherish nearly a century of fondest memories are his daughter, Deborah M. Ramsey Horry (Ronald; son-in-law, caretaker, and barber) and great-granddaughter, Aryionna DeMiya Renee Horry, who truly loved her Papa and was the light of his life! sisters-in-laws, Sally Sarah White McClain (Reverend Edward A. McClain, Jr.), Lillie Brown White; goddaughter, Teressa Goodwine Nesbitt and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, the late Andrew and Marie Nesbitt Ramsey, wife: Josephine White Ramsey, grandson: Ryon D. Horry, sisters: Lula Goliday, Viola P. White, Hattie R. Kinlaw, Sadie R. Singleton, and Margaret R. Snipes; and brothers: George and Moses Ramsey.



Public Viewing
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
4:00 - 6:00 PM
The Rev. Bryan McNeal, Sr. Memorial Chapel
4129 Highway 17 N. - Awendaw, SC 29429

Celebration of Life Service
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
1:00 PM
First SeeWee Missionary Baptist Church
5151 Highway 17 North, Awendaw, SC 29429

Interment
Church Cemetery

The Service will be Live-Stream via the Smith-McNeal Funeral Home FACEBOOK PAGE!