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George Ramsay

1961 - 2019

BORN

1961

DIED

2019

FUNERAL HOME

James A. McAlister Funerals & Cremation

1620 Savannah Highway

Charleston, South Carolina

George Ramsay Obituary

George Ramsay Charleston - On December 19, 2019, George Philp Ramsay, Jr., loving brother, uncle and friend passed away. He was 58. George was born on April 2, 1961, with Down Syndrome. His parents, Mary Loretto Croghan Ramsay and George Philip Ramsay, were advised to leave him in the hospital as he would be a tremendous burden to their family and never be able to contribute to society. In spite of that advice, the Ramsays refused to do so and brought George home. They raised him seamlessly with their three other children and committed themselves to fiercely advocate for the mentally disabled. They began by seeking out other families who faced the same challenges and realized they were not alone. These families started the first special needs kindergarten in the state, where George was in the first class. George was a Special Olympian, attended Camp Hope, Camp Star of Hope and Camp High Hopes. He participated in Special Olympics Snow Skiing, Basketball and Floor Hockey and went on to serve on the South Carolina Special Olympics Board of Directors. George was a proud employee of Bi-Lo Grocery Stores for 23 years, where he worked as a bag boy and was twice voted employee of the month! He also served his church, the Cathedral of St John the Baptist, as a cross bearer and altar server. George was named the "College of Charleston Basketball Team's #1 Fan" by the Post and Courier. Coach John Kresse reserved a seat for him behind the team for every home basketball game as well as a seat on the team bus so he could attend away games. He traveled to many tournaments across the country with the team including Alaska, Hawaii, London and many others. Throughout his life, George was a lunch escort, sweeper, drink retriever, greeter and general mood elevator at his family's King Street business, Croghan's Jewel Box. George fulfilled his parents' dream and became an independent, worthwhile, hard-working and contributing member of society. He loved unconditionally and touched many lives with his quick wit, his broad smile and charm. It is impossible to list the names of all the people who encouraged and cared for him. The list is vast and every single one mattered, from the bus drivers to the cooks to the doctors to the camp counselors to the caregivers, job coaches and mentors...each one made him the rock star who was so dearly loved in this community. The family is grateful for all those who contributed to his success and well-being. George is predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his brother, Dr. Alexander William Ramsay, his sister, Mariana Croghan Hay and devoted brother-in-law, David Mikell Hay and a younger sister, Rhett Ramsay Outten. He was adored by his 5 nieces and 3 nephews. The Mass of Christian Burial for George will be celebrated at 3:00 PM Thursday, December 26, 2019, at St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church, 95 Hasell Street, Charleston. A reception will follow at the family home. Burial at St. Lawrence Cemetery, will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Able Life Foundation of the Disabilities Board of Charleston, PO Box 220708, Charleston SC 29413, Or The George Ramsay Scholarship for the Reach Program at the College of Charleston 66 George Street, Charleston, SC 29401. Arrangements by James A. McAlister, (843) 766-1365. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Dec. 21 to Dec. 22, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for George Ramsay

Sponsored by James A. McAlister Funerals & Cremation.

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Donna Petrowski

December 27, 2019

I worked with George at Bi Lo on Savannah hwy, a wonderful man I will miss.

Riddell Perry

December 27, 2019

Mariana and Alex,
I am very sorry for your family's loss. Your family did a great thing by raising George as they did. He proved many people wrong over the years. I know the loss is not an easy one. May you and your family find peace at this difficult time.
Riddell Perry

Kem Benjamin

December 27, 2019

Mariana, Rhett and Alex I am saddened to hear of your loss. Georgie was truly an amazing guy. His ever present smile and wit I will forever remember. Whether at Bi~lo or working at Croghans he always greeted me with a hug. He often said I love you Kem and I truly loved him too. Rest easy GEORGE, see you again.....

Cindy Nye

December 26, 2019

Dear Mariana, Rhett and Alex:
Georgie was such a wonderful part of the lives of all who knew him. Some of us were lucky enough to grow up spending time with you as you took Georgie to the Fort Sumter House Pool to go swimming or snuck him out and back in at the Coastal Center to go on a late night run to McDonalds. He was such a special person from an extraordinary family. Love to you all!

David Horger

December 25, 2019

My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Karis Johnson

December 25, 2019

Dear Mariana, Although we never met Georgie, we have heard so many loving stories about him from Marshall, Lisa and their family. So sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Kent and Karis Johnson

Susan Castles Leland

December 23, 2019

Mariana,
My heart absolutely breaks for you and your family! I am just now reading this and I am an absolute sobbing mess! Charleston will not be the same! Thanks to Georgie, he and your family made a huge impact on the educational system not only in Charleston and South Carolina, but nationwide! We are forever blessed! Love to you all! Susan Castles Leland

December 23, 2019

Dear Marianna, Rhett, and Alex,
I am so sorry to hear the sad news about Georgie. All of our family mourn his loss with you. Please accept our condolences. Marlene Addlestone

Kathleen Rivers

December 23, 2019

Georgie brought light and love into every life he touched. His lovely manner and enthusiasm and warmth will be sorely missed by all who ever met him. My heart goes out to his entire family who have cared and nurtured him throughout a remarkable life. With all my love and deepest sympathy.

Cecil Hernandez

December 22, 2019

Georgie was a great Guy...One of God's Angels...You never saw him when he didn't have the biggest smile on is face and song in his heart...He is at peace now...He is with God and most of all back with his Mama...All is right in heaven!!!

Toni Catoe

December 22, 2019

I knew George from special olympics. He was a wonderful soul, as are all the athletes.

Ernie Comar jr

December 22, 2019

Very pleasant and engaging man. Ernie Comar/ I am a cousin to John Boniface/your neighbor on Broad Street.

charles deVineau wlliams

December 22, 2019

My condolences are to the Ramsay and Hay families on the death of George. His mother, Mary Loretto Croghan Ramsay, and her husband, George Philp Ramsay, are surely smiling in heaven with all that George accomplished in life. They were so courageous and loving to bring him home and love him with all of their hearts. And they were rewarded with his love and a life well-lived. My prayers go out to both families and in particularly Ms. Loretta for her contributions to her Charleston and for her devotion to raising George who lived a wonderful life.

Lynn Sellers

December 22, 2019

Loved loved loved our Georgie. And he will be missed but we are so much better for having known him. We loved him like one of the family and enjoyed cheering on the Cougars with him. God bless Georgie!! Lynn, Matty, Matthew and Hayden Sellers. Xoxo

Rhett Conklin

December 22, 2019

Georgie made such an impact on our family growing up. My Dad OTIS R. COnklin would bring him to the house every Christmas Eve to give him presents. He was such a joy. After not seeing Georgie, as I married and moved away I was blessed to see him out side of Croghans 2 years ago. I rest in mowing Georgie is in heaven with those that went before him that loved him so. My prayers are with yall as you grieve the tremendous loss of Georgie. I was so blessed to have known him.

Rhett Conklin

Paul Hogan

December 22, 2019

Condolences to a lovely family. I remember Georgie serving mass at cathedral church.

Angela Mack

December 22, 2019

Our deep and sincere condolences on the loss of your precious brother and uncle. He will be greatly missed by everyone. Angela and Ben Mack

Mary Morrison

December 22, 2019

George was the first person I knew who showed me total joy in life. I first knew George sharing a breakfast table with him while his Dad made eggs, sausage and really wonderful sweet rolls with orange flavored icing. George would celebrate every bite of that breakfast. That was his gift to me and many others. He taught us to celebrate life.
Thank you all for sharing your wonderful brother. What a blessing he was.

Gregory Stockbridge

December 21, 2019

George you truely will be missed my friend. Thank you to you and your family for letting me in to your lives.

Eugene P. Corrigan, jr.

December 21, 2019

God's chosen child, returned home.

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Mass of Christian Burial

3:00 p.m.

St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church

95 Hasell Street, Charleston, IL

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James A. McAlister Funerals & Cremation

1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston, SC 29407

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