Sammie Lavern Ruple's Obituary
Sammie Lavern Ruple, 81, of Branchville, South Carolina passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, granddaddy, and great granddaddy.
Sammie, son of the late Sammie and Jessie Belle Ruple, was born on September 10, 1943 in Branchville. After graduating from Branchville High School in 1961, he served in the United States Air Force and Air Force Reserve until 1967. Upon his return to civilian life, Sammie worked at Greenwood Mills and Albemarle before joining the South Carolina Department of Transportation in 1975, where he had the privilege of working alongside his father for several years in Branchville. Sammie worked up through the ranks to Foreman at the department, retiring after 30 years of service.
In 1969, Sammie joined the Branchville Volunteer Fire Department, where he served his community faithfully for over 37 years. Even after retirement, he continued to serve on the board, a position he held until his death.He was a devoted member of the Branchville Christian Church.
Sammie is survived by his wife of 57 years, Libby Ruple; daughters Kristen (James) Ecklar and Jenifer (Rodney) Terry; brothers Horace (Edith) Ruple and Norman Ruple; sister Ann Blakeman; grandchildren Cody Zimbro, Jessie Zimbro, Elizabeth Ecklar, Micaela (Will) Hoffmann, and Joshua Ecklar; great-grandsons John, Jackson, and Jordan Hoffmann; and great-granddaughter Nola Zimbro.
Sammie's family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Ott Funeral Home in Branchville. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at 2 p.m. at the Branchville Christian Church with Pastor Bert Fersner officiating. Burial will follow at Ott Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105), Samaritan's Purse (PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607), or other charity of choice.
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