Judge Ronald B. Ramsey Sr.

Obituary for Ronald B. Ramsey Sr. A LIFE WELL LIVED The Honorable Judge Ronald B. Ramsey, Sr., devoted public servant, trailblazer, and beloved husband, father, and friend, entered eternal rest on September 25, 2025. His life was one marked by faith, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to serving others. Born to Margaret McClelland on August 14, 1959, in Salisbury, North Carolina, Ronald—affectionately known as “Ronnie” to his family—was destined to overcome obstacles. He grew up in the segregated South and made history as the first Black child to integrate Cleveland Elementary School. Raised on his grandparents’ 88-acre farm, alongside his sister and extended family, Ronnie developed a strong work ethic and deep appreciation for community. Whether feeding cows, sweeping floors in his uncles’ garage, or competing in sports, he carried with him the values of discipline, humility, and determination. His academic journey continued at North Carolina Central University, where he excelled as an honor student, played varsity tennis, and pledged Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. in the Fall of 1979. Graduating cum laude with a degree in Political Science, Ron’s dedication to excellence was evident from the start. He began his professional career with the National Labor Relations Board, but his passion for justice called him further. While working full-time, he attended law school at night, ultimately earning his Doctor of Jurisprudence from John Marshall Law School in 1992. It was also during this season of his life that Ron met the love of his life, Doris. They married on May 10, 1985, and together built a family rooted in love, faith, and resilience. Their son, Ronald Jr., and daughter, Christyn, were the pride of his life, and he and Doris were committed to ensuring their children had greater opportunities than they themselves had known. In 2014 he became a grandfather and Christyn’s daughter Mariah became his “heart”. Judge Ramsey’s professional and civic career was nothing short of extraordinary. He practiced law privately, served as Director of Legal Affairs for the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, and later as Chief Legal Officer for the DeKalb County School District. In 2000, he was appointed as the first African-American judge for the Municipal Court of Stone Mountain, serving with distinction until his election in 2006 as the Georgia State Senator for the 43rd District. During his nine years in the legislature working tirelessly across party lines, he chaired committees, championed justice reform, and fought tirelessly for the communities he represented and loved. His influence extended nationally through his leadership in the Gate City Bar Association and the American Bar Association’s (ABA) Judicial Division, where he held multiple leadership roles and elected to the ABA House of Delegates in 2023. In 2015, he was appointed Judge of the State Court of DeKalb County, Traffic Division, where he presided with fairness, compassion, and innovation. Judge Ramsey pioneered initiatives such as the Deferred Sentencing Program, the Court-Supervised Community Service Program, and the “Angel Wings Initiative,” which provided holiday support for homeless students. He also embraced technology to make the courts more accessible, piloting a “Virtual Calendar” system that allowed defendants to appear remotely. His leadership reflected his belief that justice should be both firm and humane, offering pathways to redemption where possible. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Judge Ramsey was deeply committed to his community. He was a proud Life Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., an active member of Springfield Baptist Church, and a mentor to countless young people. His many honors—including the Thurgood Marshall Award from the NAACP, the Key to the City of Stonecrest, and the John Marshall Law School Outstanding Alumni Award—reflect the breadth of his impact. Yet, he wore these recognitions with humility, always pointing back to his faith in God as the source of his strength. Judge Ramsey’s journey was not without trials. He often reflected on a season in his life that tested him, comparing it to the trials of Job. But through prayer and faith, he emerged stronger, reaffirmed in his calling to serve with integrity and compassion. His story is one of defying the odds—rising from a segregated childhood to serve as a senator, attorney, and judge who helped shape the future of his community and state. He leaves his memory to be cherished by his devoted wife of 40 years, Doris; his children, Ronald Jr. and Christyn; his grand-daughter Mariah; his sister Denise and her husband Doug; his brother Michael; a host of extended family, fraternity brothers, colleagues, and friends who were inspired by his example of service, perseverance, and faith. The Honorable Judge Ramsey will be remembered not only for his professional achievements, but also for his kindness, humility, and relentless devotion to lifting others. His legacy will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him. To celebrate the remarkable life of Judge Ronald B. Ramsey Sr., a Celebration of Life service will be held at Springfield Baptist Church 1877 Iris Drive SE, Conyers, GA on Friday, October 3rd, 2025, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Senior Pastor Reverend Dr. Eric Wendel Lee Sr. Friends, family, and colleagues are invited to gather in remembrance of his impactful journey and to share in moments of reflection and gratitude. Please express your condolences here on our website. Following the service, a repast will take place from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the same location, where those who knew Ronald are welcome to join in fellowship and share stories of a life well-lived. Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. SOUTH DEKALB CHAPEL (404)241-5656. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to City of Hope, A cancer treatment center that gave us almost an extra decade with the honorable Judge Ramsey after his diagnosis. Your generosity will honor his legacy. https://www.cityofhope.org/giving/give-honor-or-memory Ronald’s presence will be greatly missed, but the values he championed and the lives he touched will endure in enduring tribute to his remarkable legacy. As we say goodbye to Ronald B. Ramsey Sr., we hold close the memories of his kindness, his dedication to justice, and the love he shared with those fortunate enough to know him. May he rest in peace.

Tributes

Judge Ronald B. Ramsey Sr.

August 14, 1959 - September 25, 2025