Ramsey Augustus "Bookie" Falconer Jr.'s Obituary
Mr. Ramsey Augustus Falconer, Jr., known as “Bookie” to his close friends and family, passed from this earth on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. He was born on October 21, 1932, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, six weeks prior to his due date, as the only son of Ramsey Augustus Falconer, Sr. and Eunice Miller Falconer.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one grandchild Morgan Keith Falconer, and in 2007 by his wife of 52 years, Martha Nettles Falconer. He is survived by their two children, Ramsey Reid Falconer (Celeste Falconer) and Elizabeth Hall (Michael Hall); five grandchildren, Drew Falconer (Lisa), Caroline Falconer Freeland, Cayla Willingham (Matthew), Ryan Hall (Amanda) and John Hall (Rachel); eleven great-grandchildren; a large family of aunts, uncles, and cousins spread out across the country and a lifetime of friends and colleagues.
Ramsey graduated from Baton Rouge High School in 1950 where he played on the basketball team that won the state championship. He went on to finish LSU in 1954 with a degree in physical education in one hand and a commission in the US Air Force in the other, and he promptly reported to Mariana Florida for pilot training. In 1955 he and Martha were married at the Baptist Student Union on the campus of LSU. After his tour of duty in the service, Ramsey and Martha settled back in Baton Rouge where he joined the staff of Westdale Junior High School and began a lifetime of service. After his time teaching and coaching, Ramsey joined the YMCA, where he served in Baton Rouge, and Knoxville, Tennessee. He was the founding director of the Y in Greeneville, Tennessee, and went on to serve in Houston and Beaumont, Texas, eventually retiring from the YMCA.
Ramsey was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, having received his license to preach early in his career and remaining an active member of the Methodist Church in the each of the communities where they lived, and finally Memorial Drive UMC in Houston. He was always ready to teach a Sunday School Class, offer a prayer, or sing a hymn with enthusiasm.
Retirement often found him in the marshes around Houston shooting ducks, doves, and geese, fishing in the gulf, or sailing his sailboat, the Alizé. At the age of 78 he completed his solo flight to once again qualify for his airplane pilot’s license.
Ramsey was known by all who knew him for his boundless enthusiasm, his kindness, his engaging humor, and his love of people. For his work in the community, his service to his faith, and his inspiration to his friends and family he will be forever missed. His motto through good times and difficult times always remained “I choose to be happy.”
The family wishes to thank the staff of The Windsor, The Peristyle at Beau West, and Passages Hospice for their loving care. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Mr. Falconer may be made to the Permanent Endowment Fund of St. Timothy on the Northshore Methodist Church.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the graveside services at Resthaven Garden of Memories, 11817 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70816, on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 11:00 AM, the Reverend James Mitchell officiating.
E.J. Fielding Funeral Home, 2260 W 21st Avenue, Covington, Louisiana 70433 has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. The Falconer Family invites you to share thoughts, fondest memories and condolences online at E.J. Fielding Funeral Home Guest Book at https://www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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