HOT SPRINGS — Ralph R. Ramsey Jr.,

went to be with the Lord on December 5, 2020. He was born March 27, 1945, in Bossier City, La., to Ralph R. Ramsey Sr., and Ida Bell Ramsey. Ralph was the oldest of five children. He grew up in Smackover where he met the love of his life, Marla Ppool. They married and shared 53 years together.

He is predeceased by his parents, and in-laws, Pete and Virginia Ppool.

In 1967 Ralph graduated from the University of Arkansas, where he was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. Later he received his MBA from Henderson State University. Ralph was a great part of our community. He was a devoted member of Piney Grove United Methodist Church, where he served on the finance committee. He worked in the lumber buying industry for Weyerhauser, was a business instructor for National Park College and drove a school bus for Lake Hamilton Schools.

Always an avid sports fan, at Smackover High School Ralph was a rough and tough Buckaroo football player. As an adult he continued to enjoy sports, especially golf, racquetball, pickleball, hunting and fishing. After moving to Hot Springs in the 1970s, Ralph became a lifelong fan of Oaklawn Park and definitely looked forward to horse racing season each year. At home he was the master landscaper, a lover of beautiful flowers, and much to the dismay of his three sons, always insisted on a perfectly manicured lawn. Ralph loved living on Lake Hamilton where he enjoyed boating and water sports, especially tubing with his grandchildren.

Loving survivors include his wife, Marla Ppool Ramsey; sons, Stephen Ppool Ramsey (Janie), Sloan Christopher Ramsey (Vivian), and Spencer Ryan Ramsey; grandchildren, Nelson Ppool Ramsey, Emily Grace Ramsey, and William Sloan Ramsey; brothers, Alan “Bo” Ramsey, Jerry Ramsey (Debbie), and Howard Ramsey (Lauralyn); sister, Rhonda Ramsey Dorflinger; many dear nieces, nephews, and a host of friends. Among those who will miss him the most are his constant companions and furry friends, Sam and Snoopy.

Diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2003, Ralph became a charter member of Hot Springs Rock Steady Boxing.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to Hot Springs Rock Steady Boxing, c/o First Baptist Church, 2350 Central Ave., Hot Springs, Ark., 71913, Piney Grove United Methodist Church, 2963 Airport Road, Hot Springs, Ark., 71913, or parkinson.org.

Due to Covid-19 the celebration of Ralph’s life will take place when people can gather safely.

Online condolences are www.caruth-hale.com.