Leobardo Ramos

In Memory of Leo Ramos

With the heaviest of hearts, we bid farewell to Leobardo Dionisio Ramos, Jr. Known to many as Leo, some as Denny, a few as Daddy, and to one as the Love of Her Life.

Leo's delight in life was infectious, his heart generous, and his passion for the outdoors unmatched. You could find him on the black waters of Baldwin County, catching snapper in the great expanse of the Gulf of Mexico, or hunting deer in the sandhills of Apalachicola. 

Leo's culinary skills were the stuff of legend. His seafood feasts, with Wanda and Debbie as his sous chefs, were expressions of love. Friends and family would gather around the dining table, filling their plates with golden-fried shrimp, hush puppies, and cornmeal-fried snapper. After everyone was stuffed, there was always a game of cards late into the night, where he delighted in calling everyone’s bluff.

He was born to Leobardo Dionisio Ramos and Oveida Dollie Strickland in Gainesville, Florida, attended Stark High School, and, after graduating, started college at the University of Florida. Before he finished there, he fell head over heels with his first and only True Love, Wanda Lee Godwin. Before long they had their first child, John, and moved to Pensacola, Florida, where he worked at the Pensacola Navy Base as a civil engineer.

After retiring early, Leo returned to school, earning a degree in accounting and then building a marina at the home he and Wanda renovated on Miflin Creek. Always curious about the world, he devoured every issue of National Geographic and the Smithsonian, while watching news shows and nature documentaries. His latest fascination was rereading Shelby Foote’s three-volume series of the Civil War.

Leo was an unwitting teacher as well. He instilled in his children the ability to name the constellations, to bait a hook, to carry a gun as if it was always loaded, and if you are going to do something, do it right the first time. His principles of fairness, kindness, and truth remain indelibly imprinted on those who were fortunate enough to learn from him.

And we cannot forget Saturday football. Always Florida Gators and Alabama Crimson Tide on the widescreen, a big pot of chili on the stove, as well as a cooler full of Bush beer. His ensemble was never complete without the iconic blue gator emblazoned on bright orange.  And then NASCAR Sundays. Many may not know but Leo might have won Wanda’s heart with his street racing skills in his Chevy Super Sport . He never lost his love of fast cars and they shared this passion together, cheering their favorite drivers along. 

But above everything, though, Leo was a family man, deeply cherished by his people. His love story with Wanda was one for the ages - a testament to devotion, partnership, and romance. Their journey together was filled with joy, challenges overcome with unwavering support, and moments of blissful togetherness that many dream of but few attain.

Leo is survived by his devoted wife, Wanda Godwin Ramos, and sister-in-law, Debbie Godwin. His son, John Ramos, and wife Terrie, his eldest daughter, Rwandalee Ramos, her partner, Eric Gill, and his youngest daughter, Rebecca Ramos and their combined grandchildren John, Shawn, Braxton, Cameron, Hunter, William, Brandie, Brittany, Johnathan, Jessica, Courtney, Cenia, and Rose and six great-grandchildren.

 His siblings, Sally Plance and her husband George, along with Edie, and brother and sister-in-law, Chip and Beth Hague, mourn his passing as deeply as his numerous nieces and nephews. 

And not to be forgotten, his two cats, Boots and Patches, who, against all odds, found a special place in his heart, reminding us of Leo's capacity for love in all its forms.

We will celebrate his life on Friday, April 12, at 2 p.m, at St Mark’s Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers,  donations in his memory can be made to Wolf Bay Watershed Watch (www.wolfbaywatershedwatch.org) and Community Hospice Foundation of Baldwin County (www.communityhospiceal.org/about-us/foundation/).

As we remember Leo, let us honor his memory by embodying his kindness, curiosity, and love of life. Leo Ramos, you may have cast your final line into the waters of this world, but the ripples you've created will continue to spread. Rest in peace, dear Leo, and thank you for the light and joy you've brought into our lives.