Williamsburg - Former William and Mary football standout Knox Wagner Ramsey, a 1948 graduate of the College, passed away on Saturday after a brief illness. He was 79.

A third team Associated Press All-American in 1947, Ramsey was also a second team All-America pick by the United Press in both 1946 and 1947, and a first team selection by syndicated writer Deke Houlgate in the same years. A member of the College's Hall of Fame, Ramsey was a member of the 1947 squad that captured W&M's second Southern Conference title and went on to play in the inaugural Dixie Bowl in Birmingham.

A three-time first team All-Southern Conference performer at offensive guard, Ramsey and the rest of the Indians' offensive line paved the way for "Flyin" Jack Cloud's (1946-49) breakout season in 1947, in which he rushed for 539 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Ramsey went on to play professionally for six years, which included stints with the L.A. Dons (1948-51), Chicago Cardinals (1950-51), Philadelphia Eagles (1952) and Washington Redskins (1952-53). He was later a member of the National Football League Players Association and the NFL Alumni.

Born February 13, 1926 in Speed, Indiana, Ramsey was also a three-time member of the Virginia All-State Team and was later named to the All-Time State of Virginia Football Team.

Ramsey is survived by his wife of 56 years, Betty Brann Ramsey, and his brother Garrad "Buster" Ramsey, also a former football standout at W&M. Buster Ramsey was the College's first AP All-American, gaining the honor in 1942, after leading the Indians to a 9-1-1 overall record, including a 14-7 win over the University of Oklahoma in Norman.