Remembering the Ramseys: Greenback marks legacy of love, kindness

Only three weeks ago, the town of Greenback tragically lost two influential pillars of the community when they were murdered at their home.

James “Chipper” Ramsey, 78, and Betty Ramsey, 75, have been described as two bright lights in a darkened world; and even in their passing, the couple’s influence and light still shines on those who loved them.

Chipper and Betty were high school sweethearts at Greenback School and married in 1966. They had one son, Allen, three grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

For many years, the couple traveled across the country, specifically the Southeast region, for Chipper’s job in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), making many friends along the way. Wherever Chipper needed to go, Betty was happy to follow.

Whether they were living in Washington, D.C., their last stop before making their way back to Greenback, or attending a local high school football game, Chipper and Betty never met a stranger and were always full and big with life, according to Chipper’s nephew Tim Self.

Tim said that Chipper was always mentoring, whether in his work or when he was working with kids in the community. His past employees said he embodied what it means to be a civil servant. Generations of Greenback thought of Chipper and Betty as additional grandparents.

Making an impact

“We sometimes take for granted our family members and how they do have (an) impact,” Tim said. “I think our family members, we love them, and we see that personal side of them. But we never get to realize, until something like this happens, how they were somebody to a lot of people in a lot of different ways.”

Although he didn’t grow up next door to his aunt and uncle, Tim remembers their generosity fondly. Chipper was always attending Greenback School sporting events, especially football, and lending a hand when needed. Betty, also referred to as Miss Betty or Betty Boop, he said would help anyone with any home project.

Simply put, they were always available.

“Betty once told me … we were talking about what happens when we pass away and she said, ‘Son, I’m gonna tell ya, when the Lord calls me home, my bags are packed. I’m ready to go’,” Tim said.

From how Chipper and Betty served and loved, they didn’t just believe in God but they lived out their faith in God everyday through their actions and kindness.

A love of hiking, more

This influence was especially impactful for Bret and Lauren Huskey — Betty’s niece and nephew.

When Bret was 16 years old and his sister Lauren was 12, their mother, Betty’s sister, passed away from Breast Cancer. In the middle of an unimaginable loss and hard time, Chipper and Betty stepped up and became like an extra set of parents to the siblings. And they continued to be a major influence throughout Bret and Lauren’s life.

Lauren fondly remembers Chipper teaching her how to read a map and introducing her to the Smoky Mountains, establishing a life-long love of hiking. He even taught her how to drive.

Bret spent countless hours watching UT athletics with Chipper and remembers him as always joking around.

To Lauren, Betty was a confidante and one of her greatest supporters. She said that Betty never missed anything big or small, like taking Lauren shopping for prom dresses and insisting on buying one for her.

Betty was always gardening and keeping up with her house, which inspired Lauren’s love for houseplants and flowers.

Bret said that both Betty and Chipper always wanted people to gather. Every year, Bret would have a pool party at his aunt and uncle’s house, inviting all his friends and their families to come.

Before he could even ask permission, Chipper and Betty were asking when he wanted to have the party. According to Bret, Betty would always say that the best party was the unexpected, last-minute one.

In separate conversations, Bret and Lauren described their aunt and uncle as the glue to their family; and although they both know their family will still remain close, a piece is forever missing without Chipper and Betty.

‘Love, kindness reigns’

Above all, Chipper and Betty’s influence of love, kindness and stewardship reigns.

“They would immediately open their home up to anybody in need,” Lauren said. “They were there to support and listen anyway they could.

“The way I look at it — they were the purest example of love that I’ve seen. Because It didn’t matter how long they had known you, they were going to open up their home and their hearts and help you anyway that they could,” she said.

“I grew up never wanting to disappoint them,” Bret said. “They were the ones I wanted to be proud (of me). Just always wanted to honor them and it was out of respect for how much love and respect I had for them.

“I admired how they were a friend to everyone. They tried to help and be there for everyone they encountered,” he said.

Mental health in America

While most of the family asked or preferred not to speak on the events revolving around Chipper and Betty’s untimely death, Tim said for him it’s a testament of the lack of mental health resources in the United States.

“This is one more incident that we did not have enough behavioral mental health resources for people to have access to … easy access to … to address their needs — and it impacts so many other people besides the person that’s having the challenges,” Tim said.

“They knew the perpetrator for over 10 years. They went to ball games together. They were friends. And I know they cared for him, and I know he cared for them,” he said.

“But something in a snap moment happened that we can’t change. Through his actions, they are no longer with us. Not trying to plea accountability, but maybe if there were more resources that could have helped him, this type of tragedy wouldn’t have happened.”

Those who knew Chipper and Betty, loved and admired the couple. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Greenback School in honor and remembrance of Chipper and Betty.

“I think most of the community already knows, but I think of just how much love that Chipper and Betty had for Greenback,” Bret said. “I know they loved that community so much, and I know they were loved back.”