Obituary of Franklin Donald Ramey

Franklin Donald Ramey Sr. was born to Jesse Evelyn and Gail Cox Ramey in Kansas City, Missouri on June 30, 1936. He passed away peacefully on March 10, 2014 at the age of 77. Frank spent his elementary years in Midland, Washington. His teenage years were spent in Tillamook, Oregon where he spent much of his time doing dishes at his father’s restaurant. He quit school to join the carnival where he soon found out he needed to make more out of life. In 1953, he joined the US Navy with a hope to do just that. While in the Navy, he met his wife Rita. After his military service, Frank became a carpet salesman and even owned his own carpet store for a time. After the carpet store, he served over 20 years in the civil service as a boiler operator, where he retired the first time. Frank then retired from American Linen, where he worked various management positions. Frank only stayed retired for a few years before he obtained a position as a maintenance manager at Westport Shipyard, from which he finally fully retired. At that point, Frank spent his time with his wife, repairing his home in Aberdeen, Washington, or playing in the dirt at the property in Roy, Washington. In 2010, Frank lost his wife of 45 years, Rita. Frank lived his last days at the property in Roy, where he and Rita had raised their kids and grandkids. Although Rita was no longer there with him, the property had held her spirit and he held that close. Frank wore many shoes in life. To many, he was dad, crappa, grandpa, uncle, or cousin. To some, he was a soldier, salesman, or manager. But to all, he was strong, silly, and big hearted. Frank’s interests included family time, golfing, reading, traveling, and storytelling. He devoted his life to providing for his family from his “carnie” days. To his last days, Frank was someone we could all count on for support. Frank is survived by five of his six children, Steve (Alix) Ramey, George (Bunny) Ramey, Franklin (Kim) Ramey Jr., Ronda (Steve) Larson, Glenda (Robert) Martin; 19 grandchildren, Caitlin, George Jr., Joeseph, Sherree, Michael, Amanda, Raeann, Krista, Devin, Mikayla, Thomas, Kevin, Rachal, Rachelle, Brandy, Faith, Jody, Joshua, and Grace; 11 great grandchildren, Zen, Maurice, Endi, Patrick, Gabby, Bella, Andreas, Dominic, Hanna, Katey, and Dakota; 11 of his 14 brothers and sisters, Gail, Betty, Bobie, Billie, Lynn, Robin, Kitch, Joanne, Deana, Bob, and Bonnie He was preceded in death by his wife, Rita; his son, Mark; brothers, Jim and Joel; and sister, Penny. Please leave memories of Frank or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.