SusieMartin80
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Re:Coach Ramos - Update From the Ramos Family - 2009/07/26 17:50
(Just connecting this to the original post...)
wpate wrote:
Cookie, Mike and Rocky,
I want to extend my sympathies to your family for your loss. The Coach meant so much to so many and was an inspiration to everyone who attended Shamrock. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
William
~~ Dragon #9 Susie
It's never too late to have a happy childhood, but the second one is up to you and no one else.
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SusieMartin80
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Re:Coach Ramos - Update From the Ramos Family - 2009/07/26 19:03
(Just connecting this to the original thread: Memorial mass information is included in this post!)
ramosmar wrote:
Coach Augusto “Cookie” Ramos, USMC/Ret., age 73, went to be with the Lord on July 24, 2009.
Memorial mass scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2009, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, located at 624 West Ponce De Leon Ave, Decatur, Georgia 30030.
Coach Ramos was born in Tampa Florida, on October 7, 1935. He was the son of the late Miguel and Maria Ramos, he had two siblings, his brother the late Wilfred Ramos, and his surviving sister Ceida Ramos Garcia.
Coach is survived by his sons, Mike, Augusto “Cookie” Jr. and Rocky, daughter-in-law Rebecca, grandchildren, Stephanie, Mike Jr., Rocky Jr., Michelle, Danielle and Lillie Ramos.
As a young boy he worked the family dairy farm, delivered papers for the Tampa Tribune, and was active in the Boy Scouts attaining the level of Eagle Scout as a teenager. He attended Jefferson High School in Tampa where he excelled in football, baseball, and track. He was a star athlete earning letters in all three sports and was nominated to all-city teams in football, baseball, and track. His natural athletic abilities, dedication to hard work, and passion for competition at an early age influenced all aspects of his personal and professional life.
At age 17 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp extending a deeply rooted patriotism for America and launching a commitment to the US military that would shape his life and be an inspiration to all who knew him. He traveled the far-east in the post-Korean War era serving his country with distinction and establishing lifelong friendships with his Marine Corp comrades. He would remain a committed advocate for the Marine Corp and military service throughout his life inspiring many young men to serve their country with pride. “Semper-fi do or die” was his common greeting for fellow Marines and friends alike.
In 1954 he was seriously injured in an automobile accident and remained hospitalized for recovery and rehabilitation for 22 months. His injury left him with a permanent physical disfigurement and impairment to his left leg that would become legendary to his future fellow coaches and players. This tragic event proved to be a milestone in his life that would redirect his professional career and benefit hundreds of students during the next five decades. He was a living testament of the power of the human spirit to overcome physical challenges through faith in God and an unwavering will to achieve.
In 1958 he met Hope Rebon, and after just two weeks of courtship they eloped and married. Mom and Dad would spend the next 49 passionate years together as constant companions, best friends, and devoted spouses. She was the love of his life. Her passing in August of 2007 “was the hardest thing he had ever lived through.”
In 1959 his first son, Michael, was born, followed 14 months later by Cookie Jr., and in 1962, Rocky. His sons were the light of his life. He was a proud father, a strict parent, a firm disciplinarian, and yet a loving mentor who was devoted to “his boys.” Mom described him as “jelly wrapped in steel,” he was a man whose imposing physical presence was only exceeded by the size of heart and the fatherly love he extended to his players and students. He gave birth to three sons, but was “like a father” to many more.
As a Marine Corp veteran Coach was able to use the G.I. Bill to enter Tampa University in 1959 to further his education and pursue his dream of coaching high school football. He spent his university years raising a family and working for the American Red Cross, the Hillsborough County Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Tampa Tribune. His tireless work ethic and his drive to succeed allowed him to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in 1963. A few years later, in 1974, he earned his Master of Education from Georgia State University. He had a thirst for knowledge that he fed with books and periodicals about subjects ranging from sports, to military history, American history, and current events. His love of learning, as teacher and student, was a passion he shared continuously and pursued throughout his life.
For over five decades he was known respectfully as Coach Ramos. He began his career in Tampa in the 1960’s coaching at Adams Junior High and Jefferson High School. In 1966 he moved the family to Atlanta settling in Decatur close to Briarcliff High School where he was the head coach from 1966-69. The family moved to Chamblee in 1970 where he coached for two seasons before returning to Tampa for a short stay in early 1972. It was during this time he also spent several summers working for the DeKalb County Parks and Recreation Department as Aquatics Director, and as manager of Medlock Pool in Decatur. He loved athletics, worked out vigorously throughout his life, and was the role model of an athlete and sportsman.
It was in the fall of 1972 he moved the family back to Decatur beginning what would become a 23 year career as a Shamrock Dragon. In 1974 the family moved to 3001 Pangborn Road, just a mile from Shamrock, where the family home remains today.
He was a Dragon through and through. His career at Shamrock was filled with coaching hundreds of football games; hosting countless basketball games and wrestling matches; county, regional and state tournaments; and opening the gym early every morning before daily classes for the benefit of any student that wanted or needed an early morning place to play and exercise. He established deep roots within the community, developing lifelong relationships with fellow educators and students. He was committed to affording every student the opportunity to have a safe, secure environment where they could feel welcome.
He retired as an educator from DeKalb County in 1989 and continued to coach at the school until Shamrock High was changed to Shamrock Middle in 1995. His final two years coaching were spent at Columbia High School, retiring from coaching in 1996. He would often reflect on how blessed and thankful he was to have the friendships of his fellow coaches and players over these many years. His home was always open to coaches and players who would come by his home on Pangborn Road to reminisce and laugh, or just seek advice from “Coach.” He was to his final days a teacher, mentor, and coach.
I want to extend my deepest thanks for all the words of encouragement during these past few weeks. The memories and reminisces shared with my father during his last two weeks were the greatest gifts he could have received. That personal time filled his final days with joy and laughter. Thank you.
Consistent with his personal wishes, Coach Ramos’ remains will be cremated and interned with his wife, Hope.
Memorial mass scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2009, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, located at 624 West Ponce De Leon Ave, Decatur, Georgia 30030.
~~ Dragon #9 Susie
It's never too late to have a happy childhood, but the second one is up to you and no one else.
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AndieM78
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Re:Coach Ramos - Update From the Ramos Family - 2009/07/26 19:12
What more could a father want than a tribute like that from his son? Well said, Mike! We will see you on Saturday.
Hugs,
Andie
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bwilliams77
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Re:Coach Ramos - Update From the Ramos Family - 2009/07/26 19:38
Mike, Cookie and Rocky,
The Trainer Family, Nancy, Beverly and our parents Jake and Clemmie Trainer, extend our deepest sympathies to each of you and to your families. We have prayed for your father and for your family from the moment we heard of his illness and will continue to pray for your family in the days and weeks ahead.
Your father was a friend, role model and mentor to so many who touched thousands of young peoples lives forever. It is not every day that someone makes such a positive and a lasting impression on lives of others. We know that you are as proud of your father as he was of each of you.
May God hold you close and give all of you the strength and the comfort that you will need in the days and weeks ahead.
Beverly Trainer Williams '77
Nancy Trainer Bishop '79
Beverly Trainer Williams
Class of '77 |
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SusieMartin80
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Re:Coach Ramos - Update From the Ramos Family - 2009/07/26 19:44
A beautiful tribute to a great man...brought tears to my eyes. Thank you Mike, Cookie, and Rocky for sharing your Dad and your Mom with all the rest of us. They will never be forgotten.
~~ Dragon #9 Susie
It's never too late to have a happy childhood, but the second one is up to you and no one else.
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llkerley2001
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Re:Coach Ramos - Update From the Ramos Family - 2009/07/26 20:58
Tears filled my eyes as well. Both Coach and Mrs. Ramos raise 3 wonderful men and I too say thank you all for sharing them with us.
Unfortunately I will out of town working next weekend but know my heart, thoughts and prayers will be with you all Saturday.
Lisa Kerley
Class of 79 |
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blane
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Re:Coach Ramos - Update From the Ramos Family - 2009/07/26 22:09
Mike,
I am so sorry to hear about your dad. He was truly one of a kind. Coach Ramos had a profound impact on me... and countless others that had the priviledge of knowing him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of your family.
Coach Ramos will be missed. He was a great man.
Blane Dunahoo
Class of '75
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SusieMartin80
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Re:Coach Ramos - Update From the Ramos Family - 2009/07/27 19:53
(Just connecting this to the original thread...)
brvance wrote:
There is no other man in my years as a student who had greater impact on me the Coach Ramos. I still can hear his words of encouragement and wisdom when things get tough. He will be missed! My condolences to the family you had a great dad.
~~ Dragon #9 Susie
It's never too late to have a happy childhood, but the second one is up to you and no one else.
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llkerley2001
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Re:Coach Ramos - Update From the Ramos Family - 2009/07/27 23:33
Guest Book for Augusto Ramos – Online Guest Book by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Legacy.com.
Source: www.legacy.com
Online Guest Book for Augusto Ramos. Sign and view the Guest Book for Augusto Ramos, leave condolences, send flowers, or purchase a professionally printed Guest Book. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Guest Books.
Lisa Kerley
Class of 79 |
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SusieMartin80
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Re:Coach Ramos - Update From the Ramos Family - 2009/07/28 11:29
(Just connecting this to the original thread...)
tinaturner wrote:
Mike,Cookie & Rocky-
I am very sorry to hear about your dad. Myself and my family have many memories with your family. Medlock Pool, Shamrock HS, church, and our get togethers.
I am glad I got to see him at the class reunion. All he talked about was my dad. You are very special people!
~~ Dragon #9 Susie
It's never too late to have a happy childhood, but the second one is up to you and no one else.
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SusieMartin80
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Re:Coach Ramos - Update From the Ramos Family - 2009/07/31 22:50
Unfortunately I will not be able to attend the Memorial Mass for Coach Ramos, but I did want to bring the topic back up as a reminder. God Bless the Ramos Family...
Memorial mass scheduled for
Coach Augusto "Cookie" Ramos
Saturday, August 1, 2009, at 11:00 a.m.
St. Thomas More Catholic Church, located at
624 West Ponce De Leon Ave, Decatur, Georgia 30030
~~ Dragon #9 Susie
It's never too late to have a happy childhood, but the second one is up to you and no one else.
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marcusmoonpie
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Re:Coach Ramos - Update From the Ramos Family - 2009/08/01 05:48
Mike,Cookie andRocky,
I am truly sorry, I cannot make the Service for Coach.
I am out of country, I tried everything I could to get back. Please accept my Love and Hugs.I do hope you understand how much Coach meant to me. I dont know if you knew it or not but when I was working undercover for the GBI, your father was one of the few I could talk to when I had problems. He knew what I was doing and always had great words of encouragement for me. When I couldnt talk to my parents or friends he was always there, and I knew I was safe talking to him. I truly Loved your father,and the World is a sadder place because of his passing. My prayers are with you and your families.
Marc Martin
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SusieMartin80
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Re:Coach Ramos - Update From the Ramos Family - 2009/08/04 21:56
(Just connecting this to the original thread...)
cone12 wrote:
I had a chance to look and see all people that impacted my life growing up.When I look I see that quite a few of them were at Shamrock.Maybe because I was active in sports. The coaches would call you out on what you were doing or not doing.So would the teachers.I thank God they did I still got into some trouble but not like I might have. Thank you Shamrock teachers and coaches and Adm.
~~ Dragon #9 Susie
It's never too late to have a happy childhood, but the second one is up to you and no one else.
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RJinDallas
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Re:Coach Ramos - Update From the Ramos Family - 2009/08/10 04:52
I had not heard before now. I'm so sorry for the loss. I had just had a brief conversation with him a few weeks back when he and his neighbor were walking past my dads driveway. We had not met in many years and we talked about how things had changed in the neighborhood. I'm glad I got to talk with him then.
Ronny Julian
'85
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