The firm traces its origins to J. Robert Ramsey, who began the practice of law in 1929 and continued practicing until just weeks prior to his death in 1979.

Wade H. Baxley partnered with J. Robert Ramsey in 1971 to form Ramsey & Baxley. Two years later, Joel Ramsey joined his father’s firm, becoming a partner in 1973. In 1982, Charles McDougle joined the firm, and became partner in 1985 with the firm changing to its current name of Ramsey, Baxley & McDougle. Hamp Baxley, the son of Wade H. Baxley, joined the firm upon graduation from law school and became a partner in 2003.

After many years of dedicated service to the firm, Joel Ramsey retired in September of 2013 and recently passed away in 2020. Wade H. Baxley continued his distinguished career as an attorney with the firm until shortly before his death in March of 2015.