Larry Joe Ramey

Larry Joe Ramey, 78, a longtime resident of Dyer, Tennessee, passed away at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital Monday, February 16, 2026.

Born on February 9, 1948, in Dyersburg, Tennessee, he was the son of the late L.B. and Doris (Climer) Ramey. Friends and family often referred to him as Joe or Larry Joe.

Larry married the love of his life, Thelma Dianne Campbell, May 13, 1966. They shared nearly 62 years—including their dating years—and would have celebrated 60 years of marriage this May.

Larry proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, entering service on June 15, 1966, and serving as an aircraft mechanic in San Antonio, Texas, and Biloxi, Mississippi, until his medical discharge in July 1967.

A dedicated student even while raising a young family, he graduated from Heritage University in the late 1970s with an associate's degree in biblical studies, earning the honor of salutatorian of his class—a remarkable achievement as a married man with two small children.

Larry devoted 40 years to preaching in the churches of Christ, serving congregations in Weakley and Obion Counties for 35 years and spending five years as a missionary in New Plymouth, New Zealand. He was deeply grateful that the church established there continues to thrive today, with some of its older members having been baptized by him. While he humbly gave all glory to God, this ongoing work brought him great pride and joy.

Throughout his life, Larry continued serving the Lord faithfully, including leading a Bible study at the Dyer Nursing Home during the final year of his life.

His role as grandfather was one he cherished most, pouring his heart into every moment with his grandchildren. As his twin granddaughters, Brenley and Caroline, grew up, he loved to take them fishing, to Dairy Queen or wherever their hearts desired, and he never missed their school ceremonies, theater performances or special events. Even as his health declined, he made every effort to attend grandson Jackson’s football games—often braving rain or cold. Eventually his health struggles kept him from being as present in person for his younger grandchildren, Jackson and Madison. He spoke of his sadness at those physical limitations in later years, but he was filled with joy and love in watching them grow.

Larry is survived by his beloved wife, Dianne Ramey of Dyer; his children, Chris Ramey (Mary) and Larrylee Ramey (Mark); his siblings, Jimmy Ramey (Donna), Ann Hooper (Robert), Burton Ramey (Sandra), and Donnie Ramey; his grandchildren, Brenley Ramey, Caroline Ramey, Jackson Ramey and Madison Ramey; a host of nieces and nephews; and his special sisters-in-law whom he regarded as sisters, Debbie Carson (Rickie) and Donna Abbott (Don).

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff of the Dyer Nursing Home, who provided loving daily care. Larry cherished each of them and thanked the Lord for their kindness.

Services will be Friday, February 20, 2026, with Lynn Tharpe officiating at the Dyer Church of Christ in Dyer, Tennessee. Family viewing will be from noon to 1 p.m., visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., and the funeral will be at 2 p.m. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Dyer, Tennessee, and Karnes and Sons is overseeing arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, Larry requested that memorials be made to the Freed-Hardeman University Bible Teaching Program (https://fhu.edu/give/) or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, now known as Blood Cancer United (https://givenow.bloodcancerunited.org/).