Donald Ray Ramage

May 12, 1938 - July 8, 2018

Dr. Donald Ray Ramage, 80, died Sunday, July 8, 2018. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Rosalyn R. Ramage. He was the son of Helen (Culp) and Newman Ramage. He is survived by brothers Richard (Annette), James (Ann), predeceased by Randall (Martha Ramage-Collins); children Rae Ellyn Kelley (Jack), Ron (Ann), and Risa Robinson (Bill); grandsons (Willis and Zach Kelley, Foster Robinson), step-grandson Joe Kelley (Amy), and great-grandsons (Joseph, Judah, and Jonas Kelley).
His graduation from Reidland High School in 1956 was followed by graduations from (then) Paducah Junior College, Murray State University, and the University of Kentucky, the latter with a Ph.D. in Agriculture. At age 24 he began his teaching career at Union University in Jackson, TN, followed by the University of Georgia, and Belmont University, where for 30 years he taught in the Department of Biology and then served as Dean of the School of Sciences. Among his accomplishments, he was primarily responsible for helping establish the Belmont Undergraduate Research Symposium, and the Schools of Physical and Occupational Therapy.
An active member of Glendale Baptist Church in Nashville, TN, he was a proud member of a Sunday school class affectionately referred to as the "Roosters Class."

Following retirement, he and Rosalyn traveled extensively in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe. He and his family enjoyed spending time at their farm in Paducah, KY.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 - 2:00 on Saturday afternoon, July 14, at Glendale Baptist Church, 1021 Glendale Lane in Nashville, TN. The visitation will be followed by a memorial service in the church sanctuary at 2:00 p.m. Following the service, his ashes will be dedicated in the church's memorial garden. All will then be invited to participate in a fun-filled celebration of Don's life in Fellowship Hall in the church's basement.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Don's memory to the Alzheimer's Association or to the charity of your choice.