Mayor of the Town of Dillwyn, Virgina for 24 Years
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The following article can be found here: http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/search.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2008-06-29-0216.html.
Samuel Lee Ranson loved Dillwyn, the town he was born in and the place he had been serving as mayor for 24 years when he died at home on Friday.
"When he died, he was only about 300 to 400 yards from where he was born," said his son and only child, Radford Bennett "R.B." Ranson of Wingina, who came into the world when his father was 60.
The youngest of nine children of a town merchant and his wife, Mr. Ranson followed in the footsteps of his late father, who served as Dillwyn's mayor for 46 years. "Daddy got his passion for Dillwyn from his father," his son said.
In the past several elections, Mr. Ranson had run unopposed. Three months before election time, he'd go to every house in town and ask the town's 400-person-plus population to vote for him.
"It was a shock to hear about his death," said Dillwyn Vice Mayor J. Ervin Toney. "He was such a young 85-year-old gentleman -- so energetic. He worked diligently to get things upgraded here."
He was particularly proud of working to get a clock with chimes installed downtown, his son said. He was pleased when the Town Council purchased a town sweeper. He made sure American flags flew on holidays. "He always appreciated small things," his son said.
Mr. Ranson, a member of the first class of Central High School in Buckingham County, served in the Army in California during World War II and obtained his high school equivalency diploma during service.
"He informed families when soldiers had passed away," his son said.
After the war, he and his brother, R. Kenneth Ranson of Dillwyn, took over operation of their father's general store when their father retired in 1952. They had run it since as Ranson Brothers.
It was known for "furniture and good socializing -- anybody needs anything, that's where they go. It's kind of like home," his son said.
Mr. Ranson had served 35 years as chairman of the Buckingham Republican Party.
He was a charter member of the town's volunteer fire department.
He had just received his 60-year pin as a Mason. He was master of Dillwyn Lodge 315, AF & AM, when he died. In 2003, he served as district deputy grand master of the Blue Lodge's 17th Masonic District. He was preparing in November to serve as a district deputy for the Royal Arch masons.
In addition to his son and brother, survivors include his wife of 27 years, Kathy Walker Ranson, and a granddaughter.
A funeral will be held Monday at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Dillwyn, where he was the deacon known as "The Candy Man" for regularly distributing lollipops to young and old. Burial will be in the Dillwyn Cemetery.
On the day before he died, Dillwyn Mayor Samuel Ranson and his wife Kathy stood beside the century-old oak tree that stands in front of Ranson Brothers Store. Trying to take a picture of this small town mayor was much more taxing than meets the eye. Just about every vehicle that passed would beep at the Mayor, who in turn would enthusiastically offer a wave to its occupants. (Photo by Tana Knott) |
Samuel Lee Ranson, 85
Mayor Of Dillwyn
Dies June 27
DILLWYN, July 1 — Samuel Lee Ranson, 85, born February 21, 1923, in Dillwyn, died Fri-day, June 27, 2008 at his home in Dillwyn. He is preceded in death by his parents, R.B. and Estelle Fitzgerald Ranson; brothers, R. Bennett Jr., Buford, Everett, W.F. “Bill”, Emmett, and Howard; a sister, Elizabeth Burroughs of Colton Point, MD; and a great-niece, Karen Pulley of Chattanooga, TN.
He is survived by his wife of 27 blessed years, Kathy; a son, Radford Bennett “R.B.” and wife, Libbie Bryant Ranson, a beloved little granddaughter, Emma Ann; a brother R. Kenneth of Dillwyn and a wealth of nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
Sammy was a life-long resident of Dillwyn and served as a charter member of the Dillwyn Volunteer Fire Department. He served in WWII stateside in California and was a member of the Civil Air Patrol and served in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Mr. Ranson was a 60 year Mason serving currently as Master of Dillwyn 315 and Past High Priest of the Arvonia Royal Arch Chapter # 65. He was District Deputy Grand Master 2003 for the 17th Masonic District. He was co-owner of Ranson Brothers in Dillwyn since 1952 with his brother, Kenneth.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Dillwyn since childhood where he currently served as Deacon. He served in numerous other civic capacities including Chairman of the Republican Party for 35 years, Blue Ribbon Committees and Piedmont Planning Commissions. He was also a member of The American Legion, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, and National Rail Road Historical Society Rivanna Chapter. He was proud to have served on the Virginia Electoral College in 1992.
Mr. Ranson served two years on the Dillwyn Town Council and currently was mayor of Dillwyn where he was serving his 24th year. Sammy lived a happy, full, and productive life. He enjoyed and loved every second of his life with his family and friends.
Funeral services were held Monday, June 30, at Dillwyn First Baptist Church with interment in the Dillwyn Town Cemetery.
Donations may be made to the Dillwyn Rescue Squad or First Baptist Church Steeple Fund.
Puckett Funeral Home, Farmville, was in charge of arrangements.
