George William Ransdell II
Tuesday 15th of August 1939 - Friday 5th of June 2020

Services
Visitation
Funeral Service
Clergy Bill Ellis
George
William “Bill” Ransdell, II, 80, passed away in the early morning of Friday,
June 05, 2020. Bill was born on August 15, 1939 to the late George William
Ransdell, Sr. and Helen (Hart) Ransdell in Louisville, Kentucky.
Raised in
Elizabethtown, KY and a proud graduate of Elizabethtown High School, Bill was a
senior member of the undefeated 1957 Mid-KY Conference Championship team,
helped lead the Panthers to the Burly Bowl Championship and was selected to the
1958 East-West All Star Game. Bill excelled in athletics, lettering in
Football, Basketball and Track in high school and his success landed him a
scholarship to the University of Kentucky as a Running Back in football and Track
standout. His gridiron tenure at UK was under the leadership of legendary coach
Blanton Collier and Bill experienced much success including becoming a 1960
Southeastern Conference Leader in Rushing Touchdowns (5th),
Touchdowns from Scrimmage (5th), TD Responsible For (7th),
Touchdowns (3rd) and Total Points (3rd). Bill obtained
his BA at the University of Kentucky and went on to receive his Masters in
Social Work from the University of Louisville. As a Licensed Clinical Social
Worker (LCSW) he counseled those with mental illness, substance abuse and
domestic violence issues with CompCare working across the Commonwealth as well
as in Elizabethtown and Frankort, Kentucky in private practice for more than 30
years.
“Big Bill”,
as he came to be known after the birth of his son, lived a life dedicated to
service of others. In the turbulent times of the 1960’s Civil Rights movement
he marched in Louisville with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. pushing for racial
equality and social justice. As a volunteer for the American Red Cross he
responded to disasters on several occasions to contribute in both preparations
and recovery operations. He traveled to New York following the September 11,
2001 attack on the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center where almost 3,000
people were killed and spent several weeks as an American Red Cross Volunteer
Counselor assisting first responders, affected recovery workers and families of
those who were lost. His ability to connect with others at a human level
allowed him to challenge them to do more and be more and strive to bring pride,
honor and respect to their community through service of others as well.
The joy of
his life has been celebrating the success of his sons. George W.“Little Bill” Ransdell, III, followed his father’s path playing football
at The University of Kentucky and beyond and his successes on the field as well
as in life have afforded countless hours of pride for his father to enjoy and
share. He and his family have been blessed to live close to “Gaggy and Mimi”
and share family adventures through the growth of their 5 outstanding children.
Andy also followed to UK and has carved out a wonderfully successful life for
himself and his family in the beauty of Edwards, Colorado where Bill and Jeanne
loved to visit, take in the beauty of the mountains and revel in the successes
of 3 gifted and talented grandchildren. Craig, who was a baseball stand-out at
Georgetown College, has worked as a teacher, coach and ascended to corporate
leadership roles in Veterinary Pharmaceuticals.
He and his family, including 2 spectacular sons, call Kansas City “home”
and have hosted many family reunions bringing the group together for
celebrations and memories to last a lifetime. All three of his family-driven,
compassionate sons work to help others, a legacy from both “Big Bill” and
Jeanne.
A member of
Lexington’s Immanuel Baptist Church for over 30 years, Bill is survived by his
wife of 47 years, Jeanne Larsen Ransdell
of Lexington, KY; sons, Bill (Deidre) Ransdell, III of Lexington, KY, Andy
(Julie) Wallace of Edwards, CO and Craig Wallace (Kim Young) of Kansas City,
KS; grandchildren, Brady, Cassie (Mitch Allen), Lauryn, Tanner, and Mason Ann
Ransdell and Brendan (Laura), Cameron, Jonah, Morgan (Tyler Cole), Conor and
Larsen Wallace; great-grandchildren, Hudson, Hayes, Beckett and Cedrych as well
as his sister-in-law, Terry Ransdell of Boerne, TX. In addition to his parents,
Mr. Ransdell was preceded in death by his brother, Hart Ransdell.
Visitation
for Mr. Ransdell is Tuesday, June 9th from 11:00 am- 2:00 pm at
Milward-Broadway, 159 N. Broadway, Lexington with service to follow at 2:00 pm,
officiated by Bill Ellis. Interment will follow in Lexington Cemetery.
In honor of
his legacy, George’s family would like memorial contributions directed to
Family Services through www.Greenhouse17.org
.
To share a
remembrance of George or offer condolences to his family, please visit
milwardfuneral.com
Video
Guest Book
Phyllis Peters
saysI am so sorry for the loss of Big Bill! I just heard. My condolences to all the family and especially to sweet, fun Jeanne, who I taught with at Southern Middle School. I saw them several years ago at Farmers Market and they both looked fabulous! Life changes fast!! Prayers for Jeanne and family!
Jim DeShazer
saysSo sad to hear of the loss of Bill. I met him at a particularly dark time in my life. With his help and guidance was able to right the ship for which I will forever be in his debt. Thank you my friend.
Nancy Jenkins
saysI am so very sorry for your loss! I love Bill and Jeanne and was so blessed to serve them in the ROC Cafe at Immanuel Baptist❤. Nancy Jenkins (Chef-Immanuel Baptist)
Steve Tressler
saysBill I feel so lucky to have met you. I enjoyed every moment I spoke with you and learned so much in those precious few seconds listening to you. I can still see your big smile as you 'high-5' all the UK band members marching by at Commonwealth Stadium before the games May God welcome you home with open arms. God Bless you my friend. With love from the Tressler Family of Lawrenceburg, KY.
Okeh Bird
saysI’m sending prayers and best wishes to the family. Especially , Ms Jeannie. So sad to hear. Thinking of you always. Okeh
DALE YATES
saysBill, Craig, Andy, So sorry for your loss. What great memories I have growing up with you all. Big Bill was always fun to be around. I have often thought of the times in the neighborhood as kids and the friendship we had. Bill I will never forget the times visiting with your Mom in Pewee Valley and Warsaw. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time.