Marion Thomas Ruple

IRMO - Col. Marion Thomas “Tom” Ruple Jr., USAF (Ret.), passed away on Monday, February 6, 2017. Tom was born in Columbia S.C. on May 8, 1934 to Marion Thomas Ruple Sr. and Lorena Clifford Lowe Ruple. He grew up in Orangeburg S.C., graduated from Georgia Tech, and later earned his MA at the University of Wyoming. Tom had a distinguished career in the United States Air Force. He began his career in pilot training in McAllen, Texas. Early on, as part of the Strategic Air Command (SAC), he flew cargo planes to Japan based out of Travis AFB, Calif. During the Cold War, in the early 1960’s, Tom moved into Intelligence where he spent the rest of his 28 years of active duty. After retiring from the Air Force, he worked as a consultant at RCA and Harris Corporation, defense contract and information technology companies. In 1989, Tom moved with his wife, Shirley, to Lake Murray and settled into his cove to enjoy many years of relaxed lake life. Tom remained busy throughout his retirement. He had a deep love for his community and devoted his time and talents enthusiastically. He was a founding leader in the Lake Murray Association and worked extensively with Habitat for Humanity. His passion, though, was for Union United Methodist Church. He was instrumental in building construction over the years and was active in both leadership roles and as a member. For all of Tom’s many accomplishments, his devotion to his family and friends was his enduring legacy. He was received into heaven with a pots-and-pan band by his wife, Shirley Wilheit Ruple, who went ahead to prepare the table just 10 months ago and his daughters, Lorri Ruple Sipe and Marian Louise Ruple. His remaining children, Sara Kearns (George), David Ruple (Amelia), Susan St. John, as well as his grandchildren, Megan Bell (Craig), Kara Penn, Anna Johnson (Devin), Macy Ruple, Thomas Ruple, Bryce Woodring (Allie), Clay Wooding, Austin St. John, Mary St. John, Ryan Sipe (Aimee), Sean Sipe, Becky Sipe; his great-grandchildren, Conrad Woodring, Karson Woodring, Paisley Bell, Sierra Sipe; and his sister-in-law, Barbara Geer (Willie) and nieces, Mary Geer and Jane Carol Koop, will miss their beloved father, Papa, and uncle. The family wishes to thank the many friends, neighbors, and church family for the many, many kindnesses, visits, care and prayers that supported Tom this past year. Our deep appreciation, also, goes out to Dr. Chelsea Stillwell and Greta Shealy for their compassionate care and emotional support during Tom’s final days. A Celebration of Tom’s Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 25, 2017, at Union United Methodist Church on Woodrow Street in Irmo. Friends and family are welcome to join in our celebration of this extraordinary man’s life. Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel, is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either Union United Methodist Church, 7582 Woodrow Street, Irmo, SC 29063 or Sistercare, Inc. of Columbia at www.sistercare.com, both of which were dear to Tom and Shirley.