Obituary of Jather Ransaw

Jather "Mr. Magoo" Ransaw Jr. was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan on May 26th, 1949 to the late Jather Ransaw and the late Olivia (Dandridge) Ransaw. Jather graduated from Monroe High School, and served his country honorably as a member of the United States Navy. He married the love of his life Jermain Barnes on April 8, 1972 in Monroe. Jather was a member of North Monroe Street Church of God and was also a Mason. He retired recently from MacSteel after working as a refractory worker for many years. Jather was an excellent provider, husband, father, and brother. He raised his daughter with a firm, but loving hand instilling the highest of standards in her. Jather was also a great neighbor immaculately maintaining his yard and personally knowing all of the people in his neighborhood. He often lent a helping hand, and always brought a smile to other's faces. Jather was an automobile enthusiast. He liked to travel by car and loved his "Caddies" and Corvettes. Jather was extremely proud of his 1938 Studebaker and belonged to a local classic car club. He was an avid NASCAR fan. He enjoyed guns and enjoyed sharing his knowledge of guns with others. Jather loved to entertain his family and friends and cooking was one of his specialties especially barbeque. Jather Ransaw Jr., age 62 of Monroe, passed away Saturday, April 7, 2012 at Mercy Memorial Hospital, Monroe, Michigan. His passing was preceded by his parents. To cherish his memory, Jather leaves his beloved wife of more than forty years: Jermain of Monroe; one daughter: Jawanda Ransaw of Illinois; one sister: Helen Dye of Monroe; one uncle: John Baidy of Monroe; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Friends may gather from 2:00-8:00pm, Thursday, April 12, 2012 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734)384-5185. He will lie in state from 10:00am until a Celebration of His Life at 11:00am, Friday, April 13, 2012 at the North Monroe Street Church of God, 2393 North Monroe Street. Pastor Massingill, Pastor Overstreet, and Pastor Overton will co-officiate. Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park where graveside services will be under the auspices of Monroe VFW Post 1138. In lieu of flowers donations are suggested to Ransaw family. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes page.