Obituary published on Legacy.com by Bridges Funeral Home on Feb. 13, 2026.
Jimmy E. Ramsey – age 84, passed away on February 11, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on March 1, 1941.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, Ova and Marshall Ramsey; his wife, Betty Ramsey; his brother, Paul Ramsey; his great-nephew, Issiac Davis; his mother and father-in-law, Delbert and Charlsie Johnson; and his brothers-in-law, Winfred Johnson, Clarence Johnson, and Carl Rhyne.
He is survived by his loving wife, Linda Rhyne Cook Ramsey; step-daughters Tammy Belcher (Jim) and DeAnna Cook (Shannon); grandchildren Jared Belcher (Jill), Bek Belcher, Leah Belcher, Andrew Belcher (Megan), Carly Bradley, and Caelyn Bradley; and great-grandchildren Malachi, Rosemary, and Ezekiel Belcher. He is also survived by his brother, Donald Ramsey; his sister, Virginia Odom; nieces and nephews Michelle, Melissa, Kimberly, Matt, and Dewayne; and in-laws Louise Jones (Larry), Jerry Rhyne (Sherry), Jean Rhyne, Forest Ramsey, Carolyn Lindsey, Linda Rice, Sandra Clevenger, Dennis Johnson, and William Johnson.
Jimmy grew up in Grainger County, Tennessee, where he worked on a farm from early childhood. This cultivated a lifelong passion for farming and a deep appreciation for hard work. He served in the United States Army, working on helicopter radios in his early adulthood. His experience in radio communications led to a 45-year career at Central Communications.
Throughout his life, Jimmy remained dedicated to his church, his family, and his community. He spent countless mornings volunteering for the community breakfast at the local firehouse, and even more evenings working past dusk on the farms of friends and neighbors. Following Jesus, he invested his time and energy wherever he was needed.
In 2003, Jimmy married Linda, embracing her daughters and grandchildren as his own. During these years, he discovered a fondness for napping during Disney movies, teaching kids to bottle-feed calves, and the joy of being known as Grandad. In retirement, Jimmy and Linda traveled throughout the country, showing that there is no age limit to making new experiences.
Jimmy was known as a loving, kind, and honest man. Every word he spoke was truth. His laugh could be heard from the other side of the house, and his steady presence brought comfort to those around him. His love for the Lord guided every decision he made and shaped the legacy he leaves behind.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 14, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Bridges Funeral Home, 5430 Rutledge Pike,
Knoxville, TN 37924. A funeral service will follow at 4:00 p.m., with Rev. Luke Kidwell and Rev. Gary Satterfield officiating. Family and friends will gather at 1:45 PM on Sunday, February 15 at Indian Ridge Baptist Cemetery in
Blaine, Tennessee for a 2:00 p.m. graveside service.
Honoring Jimmy's giving spirit, in lieu of flowers, the family requests that those wishing to honor his memory consider a donation to The Gideons, Tunnel to Towers, or a
charity of their choice.
Arrangements by Bridges Funeral Home, 5430 Rutledge Pike,
Knoxville, TN 37924. www.bridgesfuneralhome.com