Cloyd Gilbert Ramsey, 78 of Gaylord died on Saturday, May 6, 2017 at home.
He was born in East Jordan, Michigan on December 12, 1938, the son of Truman and Mary (Cargill) Ramsey. Cloyd spent a number of years growing up on Beaver Island with his parents who were involved in the logging business at the time.
Cloyd’s family moved to Marlette, Michigan area where Cloyd graduated from high school. Cloyd attended Michigan State University, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in the field of Economics in 1960. Cloyd married Norreta Dorman prior to graduating. Upon graduation he accepted a position with the Alpena Medical Arts Clinic as the Clinic Manager. After 10 years with the clinic Cloyd decided to pursue a building/ construction interest that he had, opening Ramsey Builders. The business was a successful residential and commercial business in the area. Prior to moving from Alpena he built the Best Western Motel which he and Norreta operated. Cloyd moved back to the Marlette area after a number of years in Alpena and established a residence in Sandusky, MI where he continued his construction interests. One of his projects in Sandusky was building the West Park Motor Inn which they operated for a number of years prior to moving to Gaylord. Upon moving to Gaylord Cloyd built the West Park Apartments and the Random Lane Apartments with his son Tim. Together the two managed the apartments.
Cloyd’s interest and love of horses started in his youth with his father. Over the years he moved from trail riding to the driving of horse and buggies. Cloyd would build the buggies that he drove. While in Florida he competed in the Live Oak Dressage Competition. His interest in horses took him into the lives of other horse enthusiasts establishing many friendships. He was a part of the Southwest Michigan Buggy Club. On a number of occasions he organized and hosted weekend drives in Gaylord.
Cloyd’s gift of music, his interest in “old time music” and Blue Grass touched many lives that enjoyed playing or listening. He would spend as much time as he could playing music with dear friends around the area and on Beaver Island. Cloyd was a member of the Community of Christ church in Gaylord and Ocala Florida where he spent his winters with Norreta. Cloyd shared his gift of music and leading adult study on many occasions in church.
Cloyd is survived by his wife of 59 years Norreta, his sister Patricia Davis of Southern Pines, North Carolina, daughter Denise (Matthew) Kinsinger, son Timothy (Theresa) Ramsey; six grandchildren, Kelly Kinsinger, Lisa Kinsinger, David (Jenna) Ramsey, Jennifer Ramsey, Julia Ramsey, Julia (Jacob) Armstrong and was awaiting the arrival of his first great granddaughter, Ahliya Armstrong.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2017 at 11:00 AM from the Community of Christ Church, 220 S. Center Ave., Gaylord. The family will receive friends at the church on Saturday (May 20) from 10:00 AM until the time of services.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Community of Christ church in Cloyd’s memory through the Nelson Funeral home.
7 comments on “Ramsey, Cloyd”
Really sorry to hear. He was such a joy to be around. I really enjoyed playing music with him and he will surely be missed by a lot of people. He was a real good person !!!
We are so very sorry to hear of Cloyd’s passing. I am sure it is very sad for the family. Cloyd kept close watch and sent prayers to me almost every day as I was fighting breast cancer. I always thanked him so much. I loved to see him and play bluegrass music with him when we would make it to Atlanta to Joe Creech’s festival. Please accept our sincere sympathy to all the family and friends.
We are so sorry to hear of Cloyd’s passing. We spent many an afternoon playing music with him and just enjoying his company. We are going to miss him dearly.
Although we did not know Cloyd personally. We first met him passing by our home with his horses on Fischer Rd last summer. We are going to miss his daily drive by our home and his gentle wave. We have already noticed that he had not came by yet this spring. We stumbled upon his passing by reading the obits yesterday and it did not take long to figure out that this was the fellow with the horse & bugggy.
I was so sorry to hear this morning about Cloyd passing away. I graduated with Cloyd and we were good friends in school. My sympathy to his family. I last saw him when another class mate passed away. That has been happening too often lately.
Although I did not know him personally, I can see the strength of character he leaves within his daughter, Denise. Sending condolences to all during this very difficult time. xx
For several years we’ve thought of Cloyd and wondered what he was doing. We met at Live Oak and my wife navigated for him in one of the CDE’s. Also stayed at his home, in our motor home, in Gaylord. I feel bad it has taken this long to find out he had passed. A nicer person would be hard to find. May you rest in peace Cloyd.