Tommy Lee DeRamus, Sr. – Metropolitan Funeral

On March 7, 2023, our husband, father, grandfather, and friend Retired Master Sergeant Tommy Lee DeRamus, Sr., a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, slipped quietly into the nearer presence of our Lord and Savior. His life’s journey leaves us with the most precious of memories and an enduring love for all that he was and meant to so many.

Born on February 11, 1930, as the only child of Henry and Edna Bell DeRamus in Marvel, Alabama, Tommy showed great promise early in his childhood. Deeply serious about getting an education and encouraged by his parents to pursue his studies, Tommy walked three miles to school and back. He never missed school and was always on time. His diligence was recognized and awarded with certificates for perfect attendance and punctuality throughout his school years.

In 1946, at the age of 16, Tommy enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and soon reported to the segregated and legendary boot Camp know as Montford Point Camp, located in Jacksonville, North Carolina. Montford Point Camp was ground zero for Black Marines receiving basic training in the Marines. The trailblazing Black Marines trained there between 1942 and 1949. The Montford Point Marines were the first decorated African Americans in the Marine Corps. They integrated the last branch of the military to admit Black Marines. These pioneers served as part of the Greatest Generation who fought in World War II and the Korean War. Tommy’s service even extended to the Vietnam War.

Tommy’s military career was marked by a succession of honors. In World War II, he received the Victory Medal, the National Service Defense Medal, and Medal for Good Conduct. In the Korean War, he received the Presidential Unit Citation Award and Combat Action Medal. In the Vietnam War, he received the Service Medal, and Campaign Medal.

But one of his most treasured honors was the receipt of a Congressional Gold medal as a member of the Montford Point Marines in 2012. His passing marks another distinction as the last surviving member of this distinguished group of Marines in the Tidewater area who helped shape American history.

After retiring from the Marines, Retired Sergeant DeRamus continued his public service career by joining the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and later the United States Postal Service. After years of dedicated service, he retired from the United States Postal Service, but his diligent work in the community continued. He worked tirelessly on behalf of veterans as a member of American Legion Post 190 in Portsmouth, Virginia. His hard work led to him serving as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Post for several years. Tommy also served as a member of the Tidewater Virginia Montford Point Marines Association. In addition to his service to veterans, he was a committed member of the Prince Hall Masons, Lebanon 34 Temple.

His achievements were many, but for Tommy DeRamus, family was his most important priority. His life partner for 67 years, Shirley DeRamus, was the wind beneath Tommy’s sails. Together they created a beautiful family consisting of their children, Tommy DeRamus Jr , Lisa DeRamus, Cornelius DeRamus (Stacie); and grandsons, Ian DeRamus and Nicholas DeRamus. They are among those who cherish Tommy’s legacy as an American patriot, citizen, neighbor, colleague, and veteran, along with a host of cousins and friends who also loved and admired him. We will remember him always.