Rauf Ramsey's Obituary
Ra’uf Ray Ramsey, age 81, died at 8:04 pm on the 25th of December,
2022. He is survived by his wife, Myriam, of 35 years; his first wife and
close friend, Latidjah Miller; his sister Nancy Ambrosio his five children and
their spouses, Lukman Ramsey and Amy Listerman, Joe and Gina
Ramsey, Mukhtar Ramsey, Laura and Mehdi Nasser, Steven and Carissa
Ramsey, his stepson, Rob Maher; and by his six grandchildren, Serena,
Lily, Walter, Benjamin, Jet, and Irfan.
Ra'uf was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on the 14th of June, 1941, to Edith and
Bernard Ramsey, who was a minister in the Methodist faith. Ra’uf was the
older brother to his two sisters, Nancy and Susan. They moved to Tyler,
Texas when he was a teenager.
As a youth, he was passionate about science and religion. He designed a
working jet engine for a science fair project, and he won a national writing
competition in philosophy. He played football in highschool, finished second
in his class, and spoke at his own graduation. He also excelled at acting,
performing as Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol at the local
community college. He went on to attend college at the University of Texas
in Austin, and then served in the army for seven years, with posts in
Germany and at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.
Ra’uf spent his working years as a carpenter and project manager, building
houses, hotels, schools, and other large facilities. He was a master
problem-solver, mixing his detailed knowledge of construction with a love
and understanding of engineering.
At age 16, he made a wish in the form of a prayer that he would find a way
to worship through a direct, spiritual contact with God, as was experienced
by the prophets of old. During college, his wish was fulfilled when he
discovered the spiritual path of Subud. He became a Subud member on the
25th of November, 1962, and practiced the spiritual exercise of Subud
devoutly for over 60 years. He served the Subud community in many helper
and committee roles.
Ra’uf’s greatest love was for his children. He felt that his purpose for being
here was to bring good people into the world. His children loved him deeply
in return and did their very best to make him proud. Each of them are good
and caring people, accomplished in their talents and careers, remarkably
well-traveled, and singularly devoted to their loving father.
Ra’uf loved humor and sharing stories. He would laugh out loud every
morning as he read the comics. He was well-known for his delight in
word-play, especially spoonerisms, and no family gathering was complete
without his retelling of “Prinderella.” His full and hearty laughter will be
remembered by all who knew him.
Once he discovered photography in his later years, Ra’uf became the
family picture-taker. His creative side blossomed. He appreciated the
subtleties of color and light evoked in film, and he especially enjoyed
capturing the intricate beauty of nature, such as flowers in full bloom, or of
birds gliding through the air. He left his family many beautiful photos which
hang on the walls of their homes.
Outwardly, Ra’uf was tall and strong in stature, with auburn hair and rugged
good looks. But the inner Ra'uf was a man who worshiped God from the
depths of his soul. His dedication to fasting, prayer, and most especially the
spiritual exercise of Subud inspired all who knew him. He believed that life
is a test to see if one could accept the ups and downs of life and still feel
close to God. He understood that being human is a balance of sadness and
happiness, suffering and joy. When things were good, he was grateful;
when things were hard, he was accepting. He endured the hardships of
cancer with a remarkable attitude of surrender to God’s will, and with the
steadfast care and loving support of his wife, Myriam. He left this world a
noble person, passing God’s test as he journeyed back to his true home in
the world beyond this Earth.
A funeral is scheduled for Ra’uf on Saturday, the 31st of December, at 1:00
PM, followed by a celebration of life at 2:00 PM in the chapel at Lasting
Tributes.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Subud USA archives at subudusa.org
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