Cordy A. Ramer Jr.

Cordy A. Ramer, Jr., 95, of Fordyce passed away on October 31, 2015 at the Green House Cottages of Southern Hills in Rison surrounded by his immediate family. C.A was born March 1, 1920, to Cordy A. Ramer, Sr. and Susan Tiner Ramer. He graduated from England High School in 1937, then attended Arkansas Tech in Russellville and Arkansas State Teachers College (now UCA) in Conway for two years. He worked in an aircraft factory until 1942 when he enlisted in the Army Air Force. On October 7, 1943, he married Evelyn McGarity of Lonoke, Ark. They just celebrated their 72nd anniversary. C.A. was trained and qualified to be a bombardier during World War II. He was assigned to the 8th Air Force, 100th Bomb Group, 350th Bomb Squadron located at Thorpe Abbots, England. On July 29, 1944, on his 29th mission they were bombing oil refineries at Messerberg, Germany when the plane was hit by German fighter planes and shot down. Six on board lost their lives and the remaining four had to parachute at 25,000 feet. He was captured and spent nine months in a German prison camp. After his military discharge, C.A. taught school for six years before moving to Fayetteville where he attended the University of Arkansas, receiving his B.A. degree in Agriculture in 1953 and a Master's Degree in Agricultural Education in 1954. He became employed by the U of A Cooperative Extension Service where in 1955 he was appointed Extension Service Staff Chairman for Dallas County. He retired in 1983 and was awarded a Professor Emeritus status from the U of A in 1995. C.A. was community involved, being a member of the Farm Bureau more than 50 years and the Dallas County Farm Bureau Board of Directors over 25 years. He assisted the Dallas County Fair Association for more than 50 years and a building on the fairgrounds was named in his honor (C.A. Ramer Exhibit Hall). In 2003, he was selected as the Arkansas Fair Managers Association Hall of Fame Award Winner. C.A. was a long time member of the Fordyce Lion's Club. In 1996, he was presented the community service award by the Fordyce Chamber of Commerce for service above and beyond the call of duty to the city of Fordyce. Since arriving in Fordyce, C.A and Evelyn have been faithful members of the First Baptist Church where they have been active with the "Keenagers" group. Mr. Ramer was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Abby Kemp and Bobbie Thomas; and daughter-in-law, JoAnn Ramer. Survivors include his wife, Evelyn Ramer of Fordyce; three sons, C.A Ramer of Birmingham, AL, John (Jan) Ramer of Fordyce, and David (Tena) Ramer of Heber Springs; 12 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and five great-great grandchildren. The family will receive friends Thursday November 5, 2015 from 10 a.m. until service time at First Baptist Church in Fordyce. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church with Rev. Rusty Ross officiating. Burial will be 3 p.m. Thursday at Plumerville Cemetery in Plumerville with Rev. Bill Brown officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the First Baptist Church in Fordyce, 501 North Main, Fordyce, Ark. 71742. Arrangements are by Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net.