Roy Lionel Ransom

We lost a good one…to a better place! Roy Lionel Ransom was taken to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and now joyfully reunited with his beautiful, loving wife, Libby.

“Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6

Lionel was born and raised in Winnsboro, South Carolina, along with his sister, Lynneve, on Cedar Street—known locally as Mill Hill. His twinkling, baby-blue eyes and sharp mind were inherited from his mother, Abbie Cannady Ransom and his quick wit, dry humor, and, yes, a bit of stubbornness came from his father, Leroy Ransom. The family attended Stephen Greene Baptist Church.

Lionel passed away at Piedmont Medical Center in Rock Hill with heart complications. Even during his final days, he maintained grit, grace, and humor. At the end of a recent visit by a member of his Sunday School group, they shared that when asked, “How can I pray for you?” he simply folded his hands under his chin, bowed, and said “Like this!”

After a long and successful career with the United States Postal Service, he retired serving with distinction as Postmaster. He was very proud to have served his country in the United States Marine Corps, beginning at Camp Lejeune and later stationed in Okinawa during the Vietnam War. He treasured the camaraderie of his brothers-in-arms and enjoyed sharing a cold drink, a card game, and bingo with his VFW friends.

He adored Libby, and they were inseparable. They loved traveling, visiting family, and playing and watching golf. He fondly liked recalling that Libby once scored a rare double eagle.

He was an avid South Carolina Gamecocks fan, especially watching his nephew, Skip, play QB (at Alabama for Bear Bryant and later for USC) and watching his other nephew, Craig, play catcher for the Florida State Seminoles as captain for the 1980 College World Series team. 

Lionel loved beach music and kept the radio tuned accordingly, playing an occasional game of billiards (a skill learned at a young age from his father), cherished time in Myrtle Beach (and shagging at Fat Harold’s Beach Club), and enjoyed playing his red electric guitar.

He always enjoyed a good chili cheeseburger, Carolina-style hash, banana sandwiches, and peanuts in a Pepsi bottle. 

A lifelong baseball fan, he once owned a world-class baseball card collection featuring Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, and Sandy Kofax, and played baseball growing up at the YMCA in Winnsboro – and later led his high school team to a championship.

He enjoyed fine vehicles, including Mustangs, BMWs, Chevy Monte Carlos, Jaguars, Lincoln Continentals, and his beloved Ford Ranger truck, and showed his generosity memorably when he gifted his teenage nephews a mint-condition 1965 black Mustang with red interior.

In June 2025, one of the most meaningful events of Lionel’s life occurred: he fulfilled Libby’s final wishes that he be baptized. With family and close friends attending, a wonderful ceremony was held at their lifelong home in Rock Hill.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his older sister, Lynneve Ransom Ramsey and brother-in-law, William “Bill” Glenn Ramsey; and his beloved wife of 48 years, Helen Elizabeth “Libby” (Hildreth) Ransom, who passed away in 2018. He is survived by his two nephews, whom he loved and treated like sons-and who regarded him as their big brother: William “Skip” Glenn Ramsey Jr. and Lionel Craig Ramsey (“his namesake”) & Mary, and their children: Craig Jr & Alex Ramsey, James & Grace Ramsey, Patrick & Aubrey Ramsey, and Kip & Barrett (Ramsey) Olvaney.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all who loved him, including his church friends, golfing buddies, neighbors, medical staff at Piedmont Hospital and White Oak Rehabilitation, and especially his devoted caregiver, Alvera Cogswell.

A private celebration of life service will be held on Thursday, February 5th, at the First Baptist Church of Rock Hill. Funeral Services provided by Bass-Cauthen Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Rock Hill.

Interment (with his loving wife Libby):Rock Hill Memorial Gardens (Veterans Section)700 Heckle Blvd, Rock Hill, SC 29730 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Roy Lionel Ransom’s memory to their church:First Baptist Church, Building Fund 803-327-7181481 Hood Center DriveRock Hill, SC 29730