Obituary of Romiedell Oglesby Sr.

Romiedell Oglesby, beloved father, grandfather, uncle, sibling and friend, who was affectionately known as Ruma, Romie, Big Bear, Mr. O, and Mr. Oglesby, was called home to be with the Lord on November 6, 2025.

Romiedell was born February 23, 1942, in Stillmore, Georgia to the Late Everdell Oglesby and Wiley Oglesby. In 1945, when Romiedell was two years old, he moved with his family, to Glen Cove, New York. He was raised in Glen Cove with his siblings; Betty Jean, Patricia Anne, Carol (deceased), and Stanley.  Romiedell was drafted to play football for Glen Cove High School while he was still in middle school. He played defense and became a legend in his own right.  He gained the nickname “Big Bear” for his football skills.  He met and fell in love with his wife, Carolyn Lee  Brown in 1957. He was sixteen and she was thirteen at the time.  After he graduated from high school, he joined the Air Force and was discharged in 1964.  On July 10, 1964, he married Carolyn Lee brown, and they were blessed with 4 children: Tracey, Romiedell Jr, Mia, and Seanna.  Romiedell was an excellent role model in the community.

He worked for the city of Glen Cove for many years.  He also worked for Fairchild Republic.  He had a wonderful sense of humor and a way of  making people laugh. He enjoyed traveling, reading, watching westerns, and loved to eat Carolyn’s good cooking. He loved to go on cruises and went to Aruba with his wife twice a year.  Romiedell loved to dance at house parties and family gatherings. His favorite singers were Sam Cooke and Gladys Knight. He would play the tambourine until his hands were sore and do the stinky leg to get the party started.  

He had a very caring heart and was a great man who was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a friend to all who knew him. He was always known for telling people, “No matter what you are going through, just know this, when you trust God, everything…is going to be alright by and by.”   His character was built on the fruit of the spirit, Galatians 5:22-23 and he lived by displaying this “Fruit” to all he knew. He exemplified the love of Jesus Christ his entire life.  Romiedell is survived by his

children; Tracey, Romiedell Jr( now deceased), Mia, and Seanna, grandchildren; Christian, Ashley, Jaylen, and Isaiah, five great-grandchildren; Xavier, Mason, Mila, Dustin, Charlee, and one more on the way in January 2026, as well as his siblings, Betty Jean, Patricia Anne, Stanley, His daughter in law Estie, his sister-in-law Cathleen Mealing, and host of nieces, nephews Lexy and Shauri, and dear friends.

The legacy he leaves behind is of a mighty man of valor who had a strong relationship with God, shared God’s Word, helping and encouraging others. It is a legacy that he has passed down to us all. May we all strive to live as purposefully as Romiedell Oglesby Sr.