Sidney "Fred" Ramsey, age 96, of Banner Elk, passed away on Friday October 11th, 2024 at his home surrounded by his loving family. A native of Avery County, he was the son of the late Sidney Ramsey and wife Emma. He was also preceded in death by his loving wife of 66 years Mildred Ramsey as well as an infant daughter Eve Esther Ramsey, and many brothers and sisters. He is survived by brother Sam Ramsey and wife Leona, and sister Ruby Townsend and husband Jimmy.

Fred and Mildred raised 5 children to love the lord and each other: Daughter Linda Sue Willis (late husband Odell), Late daughter Glinda Yates, Daughter Brenda Ollis (late husband Bo), Late son Rick Ramsey (wife Jeannine) and Son Steve Ramsey (late wife Jan).

"Papaws" house was full of love and children. He had a way of making each member of his family feel special. He had a hand in raising five granddaughters; Rene Byers and late husband Terry, Christy Cannon and husband Kelvin, Jeannie Ollis, Mandy Ramsey, Jessie Key and husband Jeremiah. Six grandsons, Russell Norman and wife Summer, Jake Norman and wife Katie, Eric Ollis and wife Ruth, Jamie Willis, Lucas Ramsey and wife Miranda, Jacob Ramsey and wife Micaela; and twenty-one great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

From a young age, Fred never shied away from hard work. Growing up, he helped care for his 12 brothers and sisters as well as the home. He started early plowing fields with his mules and working in the sawmill. Later, he pursued his passion for farming and livestock as a herdsman on a registered angus farm in Virginia. After returning to North Carolina, he continued to raise cattle and farm, often offering assistance to his neighbors and friends with their livestock. He retired from Cannon Memorial Hospital where he worked for about 30 years. He instilled his work ethic in his family.

Fred had a gift for story-telling. His memory remained sharp well into his 90s and he enjoyed sharing memories of his past through his stories. He was full of laughter and kindness and was always offering a helping hand to others. To know Fred was to love Fred.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 13th, 2024 at Banner Elk Seventh Day Adventist Church in Banner Elk, NC. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1-2 pm with a graveside service at Townsend Cemetery to follow.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.