OBITUARY
Nashville Advocate
June 5, 1890
REV. ASBURY RANDOLPH RAMEY
Rev. Asbury Randolph Ramey has gone to rest. He was born in
Abbeville District, South Carolina, March 26, 1822, and died in Hale
County, Alabama, May 17, 1890.
He joined the M.E. Church when a boy, professed religion, and lived
the same all through life, moving heavenward to the end.
His schooling was under Rev. A. H. Mitchell, D.D., whom he loved as
a father, and whose spirit he bore until the last day.
He was married to Miss Sarah C. Hill, March 5, 1842. This dear
woman was his companion through life, and is left with twelve children
and many grandchildren to mourn his absence. Two, a son and a daughter,
had gone before.
Bro. Ramey was licensed to preach at Smyrna Campground, Cokesbury
Circuit, South Carolina Conference, September 28, 1844 by Rev. Nicholas
Talley, P.E.
He was ordained deacon in the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, at
Abbeville Court House, South Carolina Conference, June 7, 1849 by Bishop
Capers.
In 1852, he moved to Alabama, and settled near Greensboro, Alabama
in which section he spent the remaining of his years.
He was ordained elder by Bishop Andrew at Talladega, Alabama, Dec.
17, 1854.
Missionary to the negroes seven years (1853 to 1859) serving the
Greensboro Colored Mission. Many colored people will arise to call him
blessed, as the results of these years.
This man of God was mainly a farmer, but ready to do anything for
his country, church, and master. During life he served several firms as
clerk; taught several school; and served the church in every way
possible. His last public work was for the Hale County Auxillary Bible
Society, selling Bibles.
Bro. Ramey was one of the best men we ever knew, and hundreds are
better for his having lived. His orderly walk, chaste conversation,
sweet spirit, sympathy, charity, and liverality are worth of imitation.
His soul was as large as the world, and all humanity was embraced in his
love. God was in his "Amens" and they will roll on forever. He was the
preacher's friend, and his house the preacher's home. Oh, blessed
memory!
He was a good preacher, and always ready, making any possible
sacrifice for his church and pastor. You had only to notify him of your
meeting and the need of his presence, and he would go anywhere on the
circuit to preach, pray and shout "Amen" till you had the victory. It
was our privilege to spend the last four years with this good man (on the
Havana Circuit), and shall ever thank God for the blessing received
through him. To know him you could but love him.
He suffered long, but there was no murmur, he lingered on Pisgah,
viewing the promised land. His life was carefully reviewed and all
committed to his Savior. When asked if anything special was desired, he
answered: "Nothing special. I am in the hands of my Lord." Pointing
heavenward, he said: "All is well with me." His blessing on us will
never lose its effect. Taking his hand for the last time, with strong
emphasis, he said: "The peace of God which passeth all understanding
keep you in Christ Jesus." Lord help me to wear the benediction.
As his spirit passed away, he lifted his hands and said: "Eliza!
Eliza!" Eliza, his loving daughter, had preceded him 23 years. Had
she come to meet him?
The Lord lead the dear ones left behind until husband and wife,
parents and children, friends and loved ones all meet around the throne.
"Father, thy life was dear to us,
Thy precious name we love;
We look to thee in the dust,
But in the home above.
Your life in Christ we'll not forget,
Nor cease to recommend;
Thy spirit-gone-is living yet
A life has no end.
Thou friend, the truest of all men,
The tried and faithful man;
Thy mantle to us children lend,
While heaven sings your "Amen".
P.M. Guthrie
(Obtained from Annie Jordan Davis Ramey, Aug 11, 1965)