Robert "Bob" Ransom Jr. went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 28 ^th .  Bob was the oldest son of Robert Ransom, Sr., and Esther Ransom. He was born on November 12,1933, in Warrenton, NC. He graduated from John R. Hawkins High School in 1951, and attended Howard University, majoring in Music. There he met and married Ruth Ransom on April 21,1954. In the same year, Bob joined the Air Force and spent the next 20 years playing with different groups across North, Central, and South America. He spent the last 10 years of his military career at Langley Air Force Base, where he was a Featured soloist with the Tactical Air Command Band and retired in 1975 as a Senior Master Sergeant. After leaving the service in 1975, Ransom finished his undergraduate degree in Music at Hampton University. In 1982, He received his master's in music from Norfolk State University. He joined Hampton University's Faculty in 1980 and worked as Assistant Director of Bands at Hampton until 1985. Following his time at Hampton, Bob was a Professor of Music at The College of William and Mary. He inspired many students as a professor, trumpet instructor, coordinator of Hampton's jazz studies program, and the university's jazz ensemble. More than anything, he was a mentor and father figure for numerous students and musicians that he was so proud to work with. In addition, Bob played with the Virginia Symphony, the Great American Music Ensemble, the Renaissance Big Band, the Roy Muth Jazz Band, and the Super Jazz Band.

In 1953, during his time at Howard University, Bob pledged the Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. Bob was an active and dedicated member of St. Augustine's Episcopal Church. He was also a member of the Now & Then Trio who produced two jazz albums titled "The Now & Then Trio Plus Friends" and "Christmas Time is Here."

Bob was predeceased by his wife, mother, father  and brother, James.

Surviving family members are his three loving children, Robert III (Deborah), Rosalind (Pepie) and Ronald (Hazel);  three amazing grandchildren, Brandy Lybeck (Dustin) Brittany Walls (Matthew) and Chelsea Ransom-Cooper; five adorable great-grandchildren, Olivia, Robert and Lucas Lybeck, Savannah and Cora Walls; his sister, Sylvia Juanita Fletcher, one brother-in-law, Anthony Allen; his sister-in-law, Jeanette Ransom; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Friends are welcomed to attend viewing on Thursday, May 13th, at O.H. Smith & Son Funeral Home at 3009 Chestnut Ave, Newport News Virginia (3pm to 6pm). A private funeral service for Bob Ransom will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 14, 2021 at St. Augustine's Episcopal Church, 2515 Marshall Ave., Newport News, VA. 23607. Due to COVID restrictions the church service will be limited to family and invitees. The interment will follow at Hampton Memorial Gardens at 155 Butler Farm Road, Hampton Virginia. To assure safety for all, please follow current COVID restrictions. Your love and energy from afar will be welcomed and cherished.  Flowers and written condolences may be sent to O.H. Smith & Son Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may also be made to St. Augustine's Episcopal Church.

O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.