William J. Ramage

William Joel Ramage was born in Shreveport, Louisiana on August 7, 1933, but he made his name in Hollywood. After graduating from the University of Texas, where he was accepted when he was just 16 years old, he moved to Los Angeles as a contract actor for RKO Studios. While he had a few small parts in films like “Cattle Queen of Montana” alongside Ronald Reagan, it was as a model that he had his greatest success. Photographers found him versatile and his image was used to promote everything from cigarettes to luggage.

He was a chameleon behind the camera as well. In the 70s, Ramage produced films for the Encyclopedia Britannica, earned a law degree, and later had a career in banking.

What distinguished Bill Ramage, though, was his ability to spin a great yarn. His years in Hollywood were filled with associations and events that could keep his friends enthralled for hours. In fact, he became a wealth of information for authors working on biographies of a number of Hollywood stars.

In his later years, he sought a more peaceful life away from the bright lights, and settled in Westport, Washington. He died in Aberdeen on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2014, and will be greatly missed by family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

A card of condolence with a message or a memory may be sent to the family at www.fernhhillfuneral.com

Arrangements are entrusted to Fern Hill Funeral Home, Aberdeen.