Raymond Edward Putman

Raymond Edward Putman, 82, passed away at his home in Piedmont, SC, on December 11, 2023. Born in 1941, Ray was the middle of five children born to Clarence Edward Putman and Marion Gertrude Owens of Gastonia, NC. A member of the Frank L. Ashley High School Class of 1959, Ray graduated from Clemson University in 1965 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.

In 1970, he founded Peritus Engineers & Associates, Inc., where he worked for over 50 years. He was a Registered Professional Mechanical Engineer in Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas, specializing in engineering design for new buildings, renovations, and expansions; steam plant additions/renovations; underground and above ground steam piping distribution systems; chilled water plants and chilled water distribution.

He was a member of the National Society of Professional Engineers, ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-conditioning Engineers), and ASPE (American Society of Plumbing Engineers).

When he wasn't working, Ray loved gathering with family, laughing with friends, watching Saturday Game Day, pulling for his Clemson Tigers and any team playing against Alabama, going to the beach, shagging, collecting shells, flying planes, stargazing, antiquing for piggy banks and stamps, shopping at the farmers market, solving jigsaw puzzles, feeding wild birds, wearing his denim overalls and rope belt, driving his tractor and farm truck, growing and picking blueberries, gardening veggies, canning tomatoes and hot pickles, and enjoying all of the deer, turkeys, horses, goats, cows, dogs, and barn cats on his little plot of paradise.

In addition to his parents, Ray is preceded in death by his siblings Clarence Evans (Buddy) Putman, Troy Wilson Putman, Mary Gretchel Clemmer, and brother-in-law Calvin Otis Clemmer.

Ray is survived by his loving wife Frances Hembree Putman, who called him Sweetheart for 63 years, 11 months, and 11 days; one brother Earnest Eugene Putman (Judy Putman); daughters Pamela S. Putman (Alton Swaynghame) and Celeste Putman Davis (Theron W. Davis III); granddaughters Morgan Rae McCain Chism (Thomas Chad Chism) and Lauren Celeste Davis; grandson Theron Connor Davis (Sarah Kathryn Davis); great grandchildren Violet Rayne Davis, Thomas Quinn Chism, and Raylan Bennett Chism; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Cancer Institute West Faris Road Greenville SC 29650 where Ray received excellent care for over 23 years from Regina A. Franco, ANP; W. Larry Gluck, MD; and James E. Stephenson, MD.

Memorials may also be made to VIA Health Partners 1003 Grove Road Suite E Greenville SC 29605. The family sends special thanks to Nurses Beth Wallace, Salenna Duffle, Ann Dodd, and CNA Nikki Crisco who all took such good care of Ray in his final month.