Ruth Rawl Bullard

LEXINGTON - Dr. Ruth Anne Kearns (Rawl) Bullard, 74, of Lexington, SC, beloved mother, grandmother, friend and adored wife of the late Robert S. Bullard left us Friday, March 11, 2016. Born May 27, 1941, in Traveler’s Rest, SC, she was the daughter of the late Leslie Ingram and Ruth Pittman Kearns. Ruth grew up as the child of a Naval Petty Officer allowing multiple moves, her favorite being to Key West, FL which profoundly affected her joy for life. Her undergraduate studies took place at Wingate University and Appalachian State University. A lifelong educator, Ruth received her doctorate in Early Childhood / Elementary Education from the University of South Carolina, Columbia. She taught at many schools and also as an Adjunct Professor at the College of Education for the University of South Carolina. She has been an elementary school principal and an elementary school district consultant. Ruth taught multiple courses, conducted workshops and presented papers at numerous universities and conferences and authored and co-authored books and articles in the education field. As an educator for many years however, her biggest love was the impact she could make with her students. That impact was significant in the lives of many. Although a lifelong educator, Ruth remained a student of life. Always learning, growing and sharing. Ruth was so very special. She could light up a room with just a smile and a twinkle in her eye. She was captivating, telling stories of her world travels or stories of teaching children. By far, however, were her stories of her love for family and friends. To say that she sparkled is an understatement. She had a passion for travel and could pack for a three week trip in five minutes with just the words “Road Trip”! She loved to sing and experience Broadway musicals. Always ready for a party, she sought reasons to entertain and would do that like a pro making each attendee feel as though they were the reason for the party. She was a ray of sunshine that shone brightly in our lives. Ruth walked out her faith with God’s gift of loving, giving and mercy toward others. She will be dearly missed by many. Survivors include her children and their families, Robin Leigh Rawl of Columbia, SC, Kimberly Rawl (Donald) Mills of Lexington, SC, Michael Heyward (Windy) Rawl of Lugoff, SC; grandchildren, Brent and John Mills, Taylor and Erica Rawl and Connor Bullard; sister, Charlotte K. McCormick, dear friend, Frances S. O’Tuel; and her beloved dog, Toby. She was preceded in death by her husband Bob and her parents, Leslie and Ruth. A service will be held at 11 o’clock Friday, March 18th at Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel of Irmo. Burial will follow at Bush River Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 o’clock Thursday evening March 17, 2016, at Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel, Irmo. Memorials may be made Ruth K. Bullard Memorial Fund, c/o Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union, PO Box 5846, Columbia, SC 29250..