James O Truesdale

LEXINGTON - Rev. James O. Truesdale, 89, went home to be with his Lord on November 1, 2013. A celebration of his life will be held on Monday, November 4, at 11:00 a.m. at the Red Bank Baptist Church, Lexington, SC, with burial in the church cemetery. Dr. Bryon Edens will officiate with the assistance of Rev. Grady V. Harmon, Jr. and Rev. Jeff Bradley. The family will receive friends on Sunday, November 3, 2013 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home Lexington Chapel.

Born in Rockingham, NC on September 5, 1924. James was the son of Margaret Stokes Truesdale and the Rev. James H Truesdale. He attended Baptist Bible Institute in Graceville, Florida and was the pastor for churches in Sawyerdale, Fairfax, Estill and Springfield, South Carolina. In later years he served as assistant pastor of Lighthouse Baptist Church in South Congaree. He also served his country in the U.S. Air Force during World War II as a pilot.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Ruth Truesdale, of the home; children, Kent Truesdale (Kim) of Angier, NC; James Truesdale Jr. (Jennifer) of West Columbia, Robin Russell (Jim) of Salado, Texas; stepson, Keith Snead of Lexington; foster child Lucy Peele of Springfield and a sister, Dorris Ford of Goose Creek . He was blessed with 8 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife, Lula Mae Sharpe Truesdale; sisters, Grace Landover, Thelma Paxton, Mary Judick and a brother, Bill Truesdale.

Rev. Truesdale, who was lovingly known as Mr. T, will be missed by all who knew him. His home was always open to welcome friends and family. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Rev. Truesdale loved sports especially his Clemson Tigers, but above all he loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was always ready to share his faith with anyone he met.

Special thanks go to family, friends and the staff of Tri-County Hospice who gave love care and support to James and Ruth during his illness. Memorials may be made to the Building Fund of Lighthouse Baptist Church, 325 Church St., South Congaree, SC 29172 or Hospice Care of Tri-County, 166 Stoneridge Drive, Columbia, SC 29210.