Joe Vernon Ramsey Jr., 86 of Woodville, Texas passed away Monday, August 3, 2026 at Rayburn Healthcare & Rehabilitation in Jasper, Texas.
Joe was born May 2, 1940 to Vernon and Annie Ramsey in Woodville, Texas. His parents and grandparents, Joe Z. Ramsey and Edna Hargrove Ramsey, owned Ramsey Grocery, where Cypress and Creed is now located.
Joe Vernon’s favorite childhood memories were of spending time with his grandparents, Hiram Watts and Tabitha Barclay Watts. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and just working outdoors with Poppa Watts and eating teacakes that were made by Momma Watts.
He spent his youth having fun and getting into a “little” mischief with his friends, friends who lasted throughout his life. After graduating from Kirby High School in 1959, he enlisted in the Navy. After serving in the Navy, he worked with his father as a local distributor for Tom’s Snack Company becoming known as “The Tom’s Peanut Man.”
Joe Vernon and Kathaleen Durham were married March 25, 1966. He retired from Tom’s in 2005 and took over operating the business that his parents started in the 1980s, Ramsey Self Storage. His favorite pastime was playing golf. He loved it!
Joe spent his later years working the storage units and working in his yard. He loved being a Paw-Paw to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved going to watch great-grandson, Rylan play baseball (both lefties) and hearing about his first year of football where he played Joe’s former positions of fullback and linebacker. Even though he couldn’t go to watch great-granddaughter, Paisley’s gymnastics and softball games, he loved hearing about them and watching the videos.
He loved his family. His kindness, unique style, and humor will be greatly missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Vernon Ramsey, Sr. and Annie Watts Ramsey; wife of 52 years, Kathaleen “Kathy” Durham Ramsey; and sister, Christy Ramsey.
He is survived by his children, Kelly Ramsey of Woodville and Lance Ramsey and wife, Melissa of Woodville; grandchildren, Kalyn Hoke and husband, Steven of Woodville, MiKayla Amason of New Braunfels, and Michaael Ryan Amason of College Station; great-grandchildren, Ryan and Paisley Hoke, both of Woodville.
Donations may be made to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.
A gathering in celebration of Joe’s life will be 11:00-1:00 on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at Emporium for the Arts at 216 W Bluff St. in Woodville.
Services are under the direction of Stringer & Griffin Funeral Home in Woodville, Texas.
