Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School has announced the passing of Judge Ronald B. Ramsey, Sr., a distinguished alumnus from the Class of 1992 and the school’s 2024 commencement speaker. Judge Ramsey was known for his service as a jurist, legislator, and mentor within both the legal community and his alma mater.
Born in Salisbury, North Carolina in 1959, Judge Ramsey was recognized as the first Black child to integrate Cleveland Elementary School. He attended North Carolina Central University, graduating cum laude with a degree in Political Science. While there, he participated in varsity tennis and joined Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Judge Ramsey began his career at the National Labor Relations Board while attending law school at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School in the evenings. After joining the Georgia Bar, he held roles including mediator with Atlanta’s Justice Center, Southeast Regional Counsel for the Laborers International Union, Director of Legal Affairs for DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, Chief Legal Officer for DeKalb County School District, and adjunct professor at AJMLS.
In 2000, Judge Ramsey became Stone Mountain's first African American Municipal Court Judge. He later served nine years as Georgia State Senator for District 43. During his time in public office and on the bench at DeKalb County State Court—where he was appointed in 2015—he led several initiatives such as Deferred Sentencing and Court-Supervised Community Service programs. He also worked on integrating technology into court proceedings and contributed to planning a new courthouse set to open in 2025.
Judge Ramsey received several honors throughout his career including the Thurgood Marshall Award from the NAACP and AJMLS Outstanding Alumni Award. In addition to professional achievements, he held leadership positions with organizations such as the Council of State Court Judges and Gate City Bar Association.
His personal life centered around family; married to Doris for forty years with two children and one grandchild born in 2014.
The law school expressed its condolences: "The AJMLS community extends heartfelt condolences to Judge Ramsey’s family, friends, colleagues, and fraternity brothers. We are proud to have welcomed him back as our 2024 commencement speaker and grateful for the example he set throughout his life and career. His legacy will continue to inspire our students, faculty, and alumni for generations to come."