From Bill Cadenhead
John Ramsey’s first contact with the University of Alabama came when he was a doctoral student at the University of California at Berkeley. John was an official host to the University of Alabama Athletic Committee, coaches, and players for the 1935 Rose Bowl Game. John met all the players, coaches, and Dean A. B. Moore, who at the time was Dean of Arts and Sciences and head of the History Department. Dean Moore told John to contact him when he received his Ph.D. Dr. Ramsey did contact Dean Moore and was offered a teaching position. Needless to say, at Alabama’s next Rose Bowl game, versus California, Doc was 100% for Alabama.
Many of the players that Doc met while he was still at Berkeley became his close friends at the University of Alabama. Doe’s association with them put him in contact with other athletes, and many lasting friendships developed. I first met Doc in the spring of 1945, when I visited the University of Alabama. At that time, I was still in the Navy and had caught a ride to Birmingham to attend the S.E.C. track meet. I needed a ride to Tuscaloosa and was told that Dr. Ramsey, who was at the meet, might be going back to Tuscaloosa that evening. I was introduced to Doc, and he offered me a ride. When I was discharged and came to the University in the spring of 1946, Doc was one of the first persons to welcome me. It was a welcome that lasted a lifetime.
Dr. Ramsey was inducted into the A Club in the late 1940’s and was elected secretary. All of the members felt that Doc, more than anyone else, could keep us well informed and in close touch with one another (He trained Harry Lee, and what a great teacher he was!).
Doe became an even closer friend when Rachel and I married in 1948, and he became as frequent a visitor in our home as we were in his. Rachel and Doc shared so many interests, especially music and cooking.
Alabama’s Homecoming was always special because of the welcome Doe gave to us and so many others. There was always good food, drink, and fellowship at his place. It was because of Doc that visits to Tuscaloosa and the University were always very special to Rachel and me. These visits are still made special to us because of our inclusion in the “Ramsey Family.
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