Representative Robert C. Word Ramspeck

Robert C. Word Ramspeck (September 5, 1890 – September 10, 1972) was an American politician and businessman who served nine terms in the United States House of Representatives from Georgia. A member of the Democratic Party, he represented his state in Congress from 1929 to 1947, contributing to the legislative process during a significant period in American history that encompassed the Great Depression, the New Deal era, and the Second World War.

Ramspeck was born on September 5, 1890, in Decatur, DeKalb County, Georgia. Details of his early schooling are not extensively documented, but he grew up in the Atlanta area and entered public service at a relatively young age. As a young man he was a federal police officer, gaining experience in law enforcement and the workings of the federal government. He later pursued legal studies and was admitted to the bar in 1920, beginning a career in law that would provide the foundation for his subsequent political life.

After his admission to the bar, Ramspeck practiced law in Georgia and became increasingly involved in Democratic Party politics. His legal background and experience in federal service helped establish his reputation as a capable public servant. In 1928 he successfully ran for a seat in the United States House of Representatives as a Democrat from Georgia, taking office on March 4, 1929. His election marked the beginning of a long tenure in Congress, during which he would be repeatedly returned to office by his constituents.

Ramspeck served as a Representative from Georgia in the United States Congress from 1929 to 1947, completing nine terms in the House of Representatives. During these years he participated actively in the democratic process and represented the interests of his Georgia constituents through the economic upheaval of the Great Depression and the national mobilization of World War II. From 1941 to 1945 he held a key leadership position as House Majority Whip, helping to manage the legislative agenda and secure support for major administration initiatives. His service in Congress occurred during a significant period in American history, and he played a role in shaping national policy as part of the Democratic majority that supported President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s program.

Although he was reelected repeatedly, Ramspeck chose to leave Congress before the completion of his ninth term. He resigned from the United States Congress in 1945 to pursue opportunities in the growing commercial aviation industry, in which he had long taken an interest. He was very active in air lines and joined Eastern Air Lines, where he worked until 1966. At Eastern he held several positions of responsibility, serving as vice president from 1953 to 1961 and later as a consultant, contributing to the development and management of one of the nation’s major carriers during the formative years of modern air travel.

In addition to his work in aviation, Ramspeck continued to serve the federal government in an administrative capacity. He was appointed chairman of the United States Civil Service Commission and held that post from March 16, 1951, until his resignation on December 31, 1952. In this role he oversaw aspects of the federal merit system and personnel administration at a time when the civil service was expanding in the postwar era. Outside of his formal governmental and corporate roles, he was also an active member of Civitan, reflecting his engagement in civic and community affairs.

Robert C. Word Ramspeck died on September 10, 1972, while on a visit to Castor, Louisiana. He was buried in Decatur Cemetery in his hometown of Decatur, Georgia. His career encompassed law, federal law enforcement, nearly two decades in Congress—including service as House Majority Whip—leadership in the civil service system, and senior executive and advisory roles in the airline industry, marking him as a significant Georgia political figure and businessman of the mid-twentieth century.