CHARLES EDWARD RAMSEY

Johnston City–Charles Edward Ramsey 98, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, August 27, 2022 at 4:30 P.M. at the V.A. Community Living Center in Marion.

Services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, September 3, 2022, at the Murman & Wilson Funeral Home in Johnston City with Pastor Kenneth Edwards officiating. Burial will be in the Becker Cemetery in Johnston City. Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. on Saturday at the funeral home.

Charles was born on November 3, 1923 in West Frankfort the son of Lee and Elizabeth "Lizzie" Ann (Graul) Ramsey.

At the age of 19 on February 19, 1943, Charles was the only Ramsey boy to be drafted into the United States Army in WWII. He caught the train from Marion to basic training at Fort McClellan, AL. Charles was transported from Newport News, VA to Italy on the Mariposa ship. He spent 4 days and nights crossing the Atlantic Ocean. Sleeping under the stairs on the floor with his Army combat gear as his pillow. He and the troops were fed twice a day. He spent two winters sleeping in the elements of Italy while fighting in WWII. He arrived back at Newport News, VA on his birthday, November 3, 1945. He said that was the "Happiest Day" walking down the gangway coming home. Charles served in the United States Army from 1943 to 1945 in the 34 ^th Infantry Division, 133 ^rd Regiment "Red Bull".  He received the European-African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with 4 Bronze Battle Stars, 4 Overseas Service Bars, World War II Victory Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

After the war Charles worked for Pepsi and made a career as a Coal Miner, working for Old Ben Mines 8, 24 & 27, Peabody 43 and Freeman 5 in Logan. He retired after over 30 years.

Charles had two children Chuck and Janet from a previous marriage. He married Vinida Holloman on November 2, 1996. Charles and Vinida shared a wonderful life together until her death on May 26, 2016.

Charles enjoyed spending time with the ones he loved, farming, his 1996 Fury, Payday Candy Bars, making his eggs and bacon and "good fried fish".

Charles was a member of the UMWA for 70 years and a member of the Lake Creek and Davis Prairie Churches.

He is survived by his daughter, Janet Ramsey of Ventura, CA; a son, Chuck Ramsey and wife Chris of Gurnee; stepdaughters, Terri Banks and husband Tim of Millstadt, Pam Yaeger and husband Cory of Foley AL; stepsons, Carl Holloman Jr. and wife Syndi of Sioux Falls, SD, Dallas Holloman and wife Pam of Palmyra, VA; grandchildren, Ryan Ramsey and Abbey Ramsey of Gurnee; step-grandchildren, Brittany Roberts, Brandon Banks, Samantha Finn, Cale Yaeger, Carl Gene Holloman III, Ted Holloman, Julie Partusch, Curtis Holloman, Starlella Carbral; great grandchildren, Veronica Lawson and Jordyn Patrick of Gurnee; step great grandchildren, Bryson Roberts, Ryder Eastwood, Kara Roberts, Brantley Roberts, Madilyn Holloman, Calista Holloman, Morgan Partusch, Carson Leake, Elijah Partusch, Kyle Noonen, Wyatt Noonan and Leo Holloman.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Lizzie Ramsey; his wife, Vinida Ramsey; brothers, Cecil and wife Frieda, Leon, Don and wife Dorothy, Eugene and wife Pat; sisters, LaVerne Edwards and husband Cletus, Louise Harris and husband Ira, Ruth Litton and husband Gene; best friend, James Hunter; several nieces, nephews, friends, and family that loved him very much.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Marion American Legion and V.F.W. Ritual Team.