Ward Jennings Ramsay, 100, of Russellville, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2026, leaving behind a century-long legacy of faith, service, leadership, and deep devotion for his family and community. Born on December 5, 1925, in Fordyce, Arkansas, to John Allison and Anice Banks Ramsay, Ward grew up with the values of hard work, integrity, and kindness that would guide him throughout his remarkable life.

After graduating from Arkadelphia High School in 1943, Ward answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Navy during World War II. He proudly served aboard the destroyer USS Smith (DD-378) in the South Pacific until receiving his honorable discharge in 1946. Following his military service, he pursued higher education at Henderson State Teachers College, the University of Oklahoma, and ultimately graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1949. While at Arkansas, he became a lifelong member of Sigma Chi Fraternity, forming friendships and connections he treasured for decades. Ward graduated from the Basic Banking School of Arkansas (later serving as an instructor), the Loan Manager Seminar at the University of Indiana, and the School of Banking of the South at Louisiana State University.

On November 26, 1949, Ward married the love of his life, Selma Couch of Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Together they built a loving home and shared 61 wonderful years of marriage and built a home centered on faith, loyalty, family, and steadfast love. To know Ward was to know how deeply he loved Selma. Her name found its way into countless conversations over the years, woven naturally into the stories he loved to tell.

Ward's professional life was defined by vision, determination, and a belief and genuine love for people. His banking career spanned more than forty years and left a lasting impact across the Arkansas River Valley. Beginning with Universal CIT Credit Corporation, he later joined Worthen Bank in Little Rock before moving to Russellville in 1966 to help lead Peoples Bank and Trust. He eventually became President and CEO, and in 1984 purchased the Bank of Dover, relocating the main office to Russellville and renaming it First Bank of Arkansas in 1987. Under his leadership, the bank grew steadily and became a trusted institution throughout the region. By 1991, Ward served as Chairman and CEO of Dover Bankshares, Inc., parent of First Bank of Arkansas (charter 1905), headquartered at 800 North Arkansas Avenue in Russellville. At that time, the bank operated five branches and reflected steady expansion across the River Valley. Ward sold his interest in this bank in 1991; the institution is now part of Simmons Bank. Today, the bank's longtime location on North Arkansas Avenue remains a symbol of the foundation Ward helped build for the community he loved so dearly.

Though accomplished professionally, Ward's greatest pride came from serving others. He believed strongly in giving back and worked tirelessly to improve life in Russellville. A faithful member of First United Methodist Church, he served on numerous committees and supported the church with both his leadership and quiet generosity. He was a devoted member and past president of the Russellville Rotary Club and was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow. He also served on the Russellville School Board, supported local economic development efforts, and played an active role in the Russellville Chamber of Commerce.

Ward helped establish traditions and organizations that continue to shape the community today. He helped launch the Chamber's Red Coat Ambassadors program, co-founded the local Community Chest, now known as the River Valley United Way, and was instrumental in beginning Russellville's annual Christmas Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting—events that have brought joy to generations of families. He was also proud to be one of the founding members of the Russellville Country Club "SOREHEADS" golfers, where friendships and laughter were shared for many years.

A proud veteran and Mason, Ward was a longtime member of the American Legion Riggs Hamilton Post and a member of the Free and Accepted Masons Lodge #750 in El Dorado for more than fifty years.

Above all else, Ward treasured his family. He loved them deeply, celebrated their accomplishments, and created a legacy of strength, generosity, and faith that will continue for generations.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Selma Couch Ramsay; his daughter, Randell "Randy" Claire Ramsay; his sister, Joy Williams Alvin; his brothers, Wendell Banks Ramsay and Dwight "Bo" S. Ramsay; and his son-in-law, Dr. Finley Pascal Turner II.

He is survived by his daughter, Raye Ramsay Turner; his grandchildren, Adrienne Turner

Short (Wilson) of Russellville, Dr. Joy Turner-Spradley (Kevin) of Bentonville, and Finley

"Bubba" Pascal Turner III (Christie) of Fayetteville; his great-grandchildren, Ramsay Corder

Short, Gene Weston Short, Addyson Grace Turner, Banks Alexander Turner, and Selma Finley Spradley; and his very special cousin, Sam McAllister of Bryant, Arkansas, along with many friends, colleagues, and community members whose lives were touched by his kindness and leadership.

Ward Ramsay's life was one of purpose, humility, and service. His legacy lives on not only in the institutions and traditions he helped build, but in the people who loved him, the conversations they still hear in their hearts, and the example he set of a life well lived.

A memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at the Shinn Chapel, with Bro. David Scroggins officiating, and under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville.

The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Manna House, 304 South Commerce Avenue, Russellville, Arkansas 72801, Choices Pregnancy Center, P.O. Box 394, Russellville, Arkansas 72811, or Arkansas School for the Deaf (400 W Markham St, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205).