A VILLAGE came to a standstill as people paid their final respects to crash victim Ronald Ramsey.

Family and friends lined Clacton Road in St Osyth, at the junction of Colchester Road, where Mr Ramsey, 74, was struck by a car while walking his dog.

A two minute’s silence halted his funeral procession which continued into St Osyth Church yesterday.

Mr Ramsey died outside the Hoy Pub, in Clacton Road, on May 11, when a driver crashed into the pub’s wall.

An inquest heard the grandfather suffered cardiogenic shock and multiple injuries.

Gazette:

Missed - Ronald Ramsey

A 36-year-old woman driving a Volkswagen estate has been released from police custody under investigation.

Residents walked from the home he shared with his wife, Pauline, in Norman Close, St Osyth, to the church, accompanied by their dogs.

Mr Ramsey’s dog Bobby was also with them.

Barbara Beale, a friend of 19 years, said: “He was a thorough gentleman who always had a smile on his face.

“We met when I moved to the area 20 years ago. I lived in the road opposite him and he would pass my house each morning as he was took the dog out.

“What happened is heartbreaking. Ronald was just at the wrong place at the wrong time.”

Gazette:

Touching - Mr Ramsey's dog Bobby leads the procession. Photos: Steve Brading

Pub landlords Dominie Wells-Young and husband Neil Young, also paid a touching tribute to the Ramsey family.

They said: “Today we said our goodbyes to a lovely old gent who we barely knew except in passing, but who has touched our lives in every aspect in such a massive way.

“We just wished we knew him and his family in better circumstances long ago as I’m sure we’d have been great friends.

“Never have we met such a genuinely accepting, caring and lovely family.

“He will be greatly missed by all in the village.”

Gazette:

Farewell - people line both sides of Clacton Road, St Osyth

A crowd funding campaign set at £1,000 has raised just under half of its target to support the family.

It was set up by the community which was rocked by Mr Ramsey’s tragic death.

Gazette:

Heartfelt - family and friends walk to St Osyth Church

St Osyth Parish Council has set up two books of condolence which can be signed at John Stiff Estate Agents and L&K Funeral Directors, both in Clacton Road.

Donations in his memory can also be sent to the City of Chelmsford Mencap.

To donate to the Ramsey memory appeal, click here.