Rev. Garland Odie Ramsey

Rev. Garland Odie Ramsey, 88, resident of West Columbia, S.C., formerly of Iowa Park, passed away on Sept. 26, 2021 following a brief illness.

Graveside funeral services were held Monday, Oct. 4, at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, with Rev. Roger Weaver officiating, under the direction of Thompson Funeral Home of Lexington. US Air Force military honors were rendered.

Ramsey was born March 4, 1933, in Levelland, to the late Fletcher Wiley and Zola Wood Ramsey. After high school he furthered his education at Texas A&M University where he earned his bachelor’s degree. After concluding his education, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served for four years. During his military service he started a Bible class in Okinawa, Japan. During his tour of duty, he had over 100 children attending the class on a regular basis. He was also a member of the American Legion. He founded His House Ministries. In 1974, with the assistance of some local businesses, he opened the doors to His House Ministries, a 501 ( c ) 3 nonprofit organization. For over 47 years, His House Ministries has provided jobs, free housing, food, clothing, eyeglasses, dental care and alcoholic counseling, in a Christian atmosphere, for homeless former alcoholic men in the West Columbia, Lexington and Columbia areas. He was recognized for his work by Governor Nikki Haley in 2011 with the Order of the Silver Crescent. He was a minister at the His House Ministries Chapel, assisted by Reverends Roger Weaver and Don Williams. He enjoyed several hobbies including dominoes and would travel each year to participate in the Annual World Dominoes Championship in Andalusia, AL. He also enjoyed working in his garden, especially growing his roses. He would cut vases of roses and deliver them to restaurant wait staff, health care staff and others in the community.

Survivors include his wife, Charlotte, of 62 years; and a sister, Shirley Maxine Williams of Katy,