Carlos Ray Ramsey, Sr., made his earthly entry on October 12, 1945, to the late Willie and Nettie Ramsey in Batesville, Arkansas. ”Peter” as he was affectionately known in his childhood, was the youngest of three children and embodied a spirit of exploration and innovation, being intentional in all of his childhood endeavors!
Carlos was an avid reader and a secret scholar. He loved National Geographic, CNN, PBS programs and everything pertaining to history, specifically, indigenous, African and African American studies. In addition, he was an athlete, with an affection for basketball and played during summer leagues throughout Arkansas. Carlos was a 1963 graduate of Eliza Miller High School in West Helena, Arkansas and continued his educational endeavors at AM&N in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, now The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff; where he met the love of his life, Lavone Denise Pickens. To their union, two children were born; Carlos Jr., and Collette Rise’.
Upon moving to Detroit, Michigan; he initially worked at Chrysler Corporation as a welder and dreamed of higher aspirations which included serving as a City of Detroit Police Officer. On the heels of the civil unrest and riots, Carlos was committed to both serving and protecting the citizens of Detroit, as well as his fellow officers and never wavered in any dangerous situation. Upon being injured in the line of duty, Carlos had entrepreneurial endeavors and returned to Arkansas and opened R&P (Ramsey & Pickens) Liquor in Pine Bluff. After much success, Carlos decided to return to his hometown of Batesville where he raised Angus cattle and farm-raised catfish.
Carlos was a member of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church and loved both Sunday School and Wednesday Night Bible Study. He truly loved God with all his being and would often share with others that he was only here by God’s grace.
Carlos was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Nettie Ramsey; sister, Serene Desquare; and son, Carlos Ray Ramsey, Jr. Carlos made his heavenly departure on June 30, 2023, at the White River Medical Center in Batesville, Arkansas. He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Lavone Ramsey; daughters, Collette Ramsey of Detroit, MI and Marguerite Brown-Ramsey of Aurora, CO; sister, Willie C Strong of Batesville, Arkansas; brother, Norman Smith of Little Rock, Arkansas; four grandchildren, Malikka V. Kayhill and Makayla L. Kayhill-Walton of Aurora, CO, Jesse T. Hall Jr. (Kristy) of Jacksonville, FL, Jahlil T. Hall of Brooklyn, NY; five great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Pallbearers will be Don Crawford, Ben Earl, Jr., Ralph Grant, Tommy Harper, Jr., Arthur Montgomery, and Manrecio Neely. Honorary pallbearers will be Tommy Harper, Sr., Terry McCurn, Andy Montgomery, Daniel Smith, and Eliza Miller High School – Class of 1963. Flower bearers will be the Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church Sunday School and Bible Study Class.
A homegoing celebration will begin at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 8, 2023, at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church with Elder Lawrence Butler, Jr. officiating. Committal, Ceremonial Flight and Interment will follow at Ruddell Hill Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 8, 2023, at the church prior to service.
Expressions of Thanks:
The family of Mr. Carlos Ray Ramsey, Sr., wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation the many comforting messages, prayers, floral tributes, visits and other expressions of kindness and concern that have helped to console our grieving hearts. May God continue to shower His blessings upon each and every one of you. The Family
