A group for those who own one of Mike Ramsey's wonderful banjos!

165 Members, Created 10/28/2011 -

Administrators: Castania (owner)

Happy Trails Mike!

From BDCA on 6/28/2021 6:37:38 PM

From The Durham Herald-Sun

Michael Ramsey
November 18, 1949 - June 25, 2021
Durham, North Carolina - Michael Wayne Ramsey, 71, died June 25, 2021 while in hospice care after suffering a massive stroke. He passed peacefully with both of his daughters by his side.
Native to Pearisburg, Virginia, Mike was born on November 18, 1949 in Roanoke, Virginia to Evelyn Kerr Dowdy and Charles Harry Ramsey, both of whom preceded him in death.
Mike graduated from Giles High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. After college, he worked in management for Procter & Gamble, as well as, Frank Paxton Lumber Company in Madeira, Ohio.
Mike was a skilled craftsman, as well as, a musician. In the early 1990's, he left the corporate world to start his own business as a woodworker. Though he did not originally set out to make a life making instruments, over the years, his work eventually specialized to building banjos. To those who had the pleasure of obtaining one of Mike's handcrafted instruments, his talents are regarded as unparalleled. He quickly became known as "Banjo Mike" in the industry and his banjos have been played around the world.
Mike was selfless friend and a true artist - reckless, fun loving, and fearless. He was an exceptional cook and loved nothing more than making those around him happy. He truly never met a stranger and will be missed by many.
Mike is survived by the two creations he was most proud of in his life - his daughters: Sarah Rovnak (husband, Matthew Rovnak) and Rachael Kearns (husband, Joshua Kearns). He is also survived by grandson, Parker Williams; siblings, Gayle Brown and Kevin Ramsey (wife, Marsha Ramsey); as well as, several nieces and nephews.
There will be no memorial service.
A special 'Thank You' goes out to the staff at Hock Family Pavilion Duke Hospice, who provided outstanding support and care during Mike's final hours. His family asks that, if you are so moved, you consider making a donation to Hock Family Pavilion in memory of Mike, 4023 N. Roxboro Street Durham, NC 27704-2119.

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Published by & from Jun. 28 to Jul. 3, 2021.

7 Comments
	ZEPP says: 6/28/2021 7:02:35 PM I'm shocked and ever so sorry to see this. Mike was certainly a "hail fellow, well met!" guy, and I always enjoyed his company. He certainly was a large part of my life during the quarter century that I knew him. I shall think kindly of him every time I play one of the banjos he made for me. Sadly, ZEPP
	BDCA says: 6/28/2021 7:16:38 PM I feel the same though he has had a few rough years health wise. I treasure the 1st prize Hoppin Johns banjo you donated in the 90s and two more he made for me.
Garlon says: 6/28/2021 8:33:32 PM That makes me so sad. I have two of his wonderful banjos. I even bought a movie about banjo makers that had an interview with him in it. From what I saw in the movie, he seemed to be a very nice person. I’m 70 years old now and Mike Ramsey’s banjos have given me many happy hours and continues helping me enjoy my retirement. I also think that they help keep my mind more active.
	Castania says: 6/29/2021 2:31:53 AM This saddens me; I'd heard Mike wasn't doing well. I'm glad I had a chance to spend a few moments with him at his shop in Appomattox when I took possession of my Maple Special. Mike gladly showed us how he made his banjos (a shop tour), and then signed the inside of the rim as he put the finishing touches on mine. I will think of him every time I play that banjo.
	Jay K says: 6/29/2021 4:53:31 AM As I write this I’m looking over at the case that holds my Ramsey 11 inch Standard; my first and only banjo. Mike’s passing is sad news indeed.
	BDCA says: 6/29/2021 5:10:35 AM I am grateful to have one of his last banjos he made for me. He built it in only three weeks and I took it on a 3 month trip to Ireland. He was starting to slip even then. I am glad I had I had time to get to know Mike. These are the T-shirts I designed for Mike: banjohangout.org/classified/48601 Bob
	Jay K says: 6/29/2021 5:22:53 AM As I write this I’m looking over at the case that holds my Ramsey 11 inch Standard; my first and only banjo. Mike’s passing is sad news indeed.
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