James T. Ramage III Highway dedicated in Brundidge honoring longtime Mayor

Through the passage of a resolution earlier this year, the Alabama Legislature officially renamed a one-mile portion of U.S. Highway 231 in Brundidge as the James T. Ramage III Highway in honor of the longtime mayor.

Ramage was honored with a surprise celebration attended by more than 100 people on July 8, including family, friends, and local leaders, to celebrate the honor.

Social media was filled with tributes recognizing Ramage’s decades of service to the Brundidge community.

U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) posted, “What an incredible honor to see Mayor Ramage’s unwavering dedication to the people of Alabama recognized in such a meaningful way. The James T. Ramage III Highway will stand as a lasting tribute to his commitment and service to our great state.”

State Sen. Josh Carnley (R-Ino) said, “Mr. Ramage, a longtime mayor and passionate advocate for Brundidge, has spent years serving and uplifting the community he loves. The Alabama Legislature proudly passed a resolution this session to officially name this portion of the highway in his honor. This well-deserved tribute reflects the deep appreciation we have for his lasting contributions to the town. Thank you, Mayor Ramage, for your leadership and service!”

Beth Armstrong Milton, who photographed the momentous occasion, posted, “Mr Jimmy, it was an honor to capture this special occasion! You and your leadership will always be legendary! HWY 231 has renamed a portion of the highway to this special leader in the City of Brundidge. It will be called, James T Ramage III Highway.”

The Pike County Sheriff Department added their appreciation in a post stating, “We had the pleasure of attending the highway dedication in honor of Jimmy Ramage. Jimmy served as the mayor of the City of Brundidge for 40 years, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to the betterment of the Brundidge community. His leadership helped shape the City of Brundidge into what it is today. Thank you, Jimmy, for all you have done!”

John R. Ramage wrote, “Today was a special day for the family as we surprised #TheMayor with a proclamation from @GovernorKayIvey renaming a portion of #Highway231 as the JAMES T RAMAGE III HIGHWAY. Many thanks to everyone that played a part in making today so special.”

According to The Messenger, Jimmy Ramage’s accomplishments include:

  • Graduate of Pike County High School (1965) and the University of Alabama (1969), where he was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity and The Order of the Jasons
  • Service in the Alabama National Guard 900 Hem Company from 1969 to 1975
  • Commissioner and mayor of Brundidge from 1976 to 2016
  • Employee of First National Bank of Brundidge/Troy Bank & Trust since 1959
  • Paul Harris Fellow with the Brundidge Rotary Club.
  • Member of Brundidge Methodist Church
  • Founding member of the Wiregrass Forum
  • Chairman of the Board of Trustees at PowerSouth Energy Cooperative, Charles Henderson Memorial Association, Alabama Bankers Association, and the Governor’s Commission for National and State Community Services
  • Executive Vice-President of the University of Alabama National Alumni Association.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].