Van Ramsey

Dateline McKenzie, TN        Van Alton Ramsey, 75, of McKenzie, Tennessee died on May 8, 2018. Funeral services will be held at the McKenzie First Baptist Church on May 12: visitation will be from 12-2 pm and the service from 2-245 pm. Van was born on November 5, 1942 in Moss Point, Mississippi. After high school, he joined the merchant marine and worked in many countries. Afterwards, he graduated from Mississippi State University with a degree in forestry. He moved to McKenzie in 1974 and remained there for the rest of his life. He was involved with Southern Star Lumber Company for most of his career, first as a forester and later as the owner. In more recent years, he was the owner of Mule Creek Forestry. Van was very active in his community. During his time in McKenzie, he was a member of the local Industrial Board, the Lions Club, First Baptist Church, Senior Citizens, and the McKenzie School Board, among others. He also pursued many hobbies and interests, including kayaking, fly fishing, gardening, playing pool, raising dogs, hunting, reading, playing and recording music, and refereeing and coaching sports. May 7 started off as a typical day for Van, full of activities and plans. He visited his beloved mules to put shoes on them. He had an accident and received head injuries from the mule. He was able to drive himself to the McKenzie hospital and after being treated for facial lacerations, he was discharged to go home that night. On May 8, he was resting at home and appeared to be recovering. However, for reasons that are not clear, his condition suddenly reversed that evening, and around 8pm, he told his wife that “I’m going” and shortly after, he died on the couch next to his wife. At no point, did he complain of pain. Van Ramsey is survived by his wife of 42 years, Vicki Blaylock Ramsey of McKenzie; children Matthew Ramsey of Huntingdon, Tennessee, Daniel Ramsey of San Francisco, California, and Angela Ramsey of Paris, Tennessee. He is survived by four siblings: brother Pat of Mississippi, brother Nick of Mississippi, sister Shannon of Iowa, and sister Dixie of Mississippi. He is survived by four grandchildren: Ethan, Madison, Bennett, and Jaden.   Brummitt – McKenzie Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. For more information please call (731) 352-4848 or visit www.brummittmckenziefuneralhome.com.