Bonnie "Ginger" Virginia Rumbley

Bonnie Virginia “Ginger” Rumbley, born on October 16, 1946, in Century, Florida, to Leonard McCurdy and Lillian Burdick McCurdy, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 51 years, Charles Thomas Rumbley; her sister, Jean McCurdy Grantham; her parents, Lillian and Leonard McCurdy; her granddaughter, Grayton Kennedy Creekbaum; and their dog, Buddy.

Ginger was a proud graduate of Century High School, class of 1964, where she excelled in both basketball and volleyball, in addition to shining as a majorette, serving as Drum Majorette her senior year. Her vibrant personality earned her titles such as “Most Witty” and “Most Flirtatious,” and she was an active member of the Future Homemakers of America, the nurses' aid program, and the chorus.

After high school, Ginger pursued her passion for nursing at Jeff Davis Community College while working alongside her sister at Vanity Fair in Atmore, Alabama. It was there that she met and fell in love with the plant manager, Charles Rumbley. Their whirlwind romance led to their marriage on January 22, 1972, at Bethel Baptist Church in Flomaton, Alabama.

The couple moved to Graceville, Florida, for Charles’s job, where Ginger became involved with a local bridge club and sorority. Their journey continued to Daphne, Alabama, where Ginger balanced her career at The Bank of Mobile along with her passion for tennis. In Baldwin County, their daughter, Leigh, was born, adding joy to their growing family.

In 1980, upon another promotion within VF, the Rumbley family relocated to Charles’s hometown of Monroeville, Alabama, where they built a home on Canterbury Road. Ginger worked at Monroe County Bank and cherished her time there. In 1982, she transitioned to the Circuit Clerk’s office to the Traffic and District Criminal Court Division, retiring from the state of Alabama in 1995. During her time in Monroeville, she was an active member of a local sorority, enjoyed hosting dinner parties, and even had her home featured on the Tour of Homes.

Ginger and her best friends cherished annual trips to Apalachicola to collect oysters, and she created lasting memories on vacations to St. Thomas and St. John. Family trips to Europe were also highlights of her life, filled with laughter and exploration. Additionally, Ginger, Charles, Leigh, and occasionally friends visited New York City several times a year, relishing in shopping excursions and enjoying the excitement of Broadway plays.

Her greatest joy came from her daughter, Leigh, her grandson, Gray, and her beloved dog, Buddy, who brought immense happiness to her life. After enjoying the family condo in Seagrove Beach, FL for 10 years, it was always a goal of Ginger’s to get back on the beach. In 1995, following Leigh’s first year at Auburn and Charles’s promotion to President of Kellwood, located in NYC and McComb, MS, Ginger and Charles sold their Monroeville home to realize their dream of living on Pensacola Beach, closer to family and lifelong friends. There, Ginger co-founded an upscale gift and collectibles shop, The Golden Oyster, on Quietwater Beach.

In 2003, Ginger retired again, embracing the freedom to travel with Charles and visit Leigh in Birmingham. Her botanical backyard in Lafitte Cove was a testament to her love for nature, filled with herbs, tomatoes, ginger plants, various vines, freesia and palm trees. Ginger found joy in trapping crabs off the boardwalk for family gatherings and feeding the friendly blue herons that visited her home. Her other passions included fishing of any kind, after all, her dad’s nickname was Bluegill, and frying them up for a crowd.

Ginger leaves behind her daughter, Leigh Rumbley Brittingham (Jack), of Birmingham and Palestine, Texas; her grandson, Gray Creekbaum; her brothers-in-laws, Dick Rumbley (Charlsie) of Atlanta and Bill Grantham of McDavid; nieces, Lynn Dougherty (Michael) of Atlanta and Lauren Grantham of Fort Walton Beach, Florida; great-niece, Lane Dougherty; and great-nephews, Thomas Dougherty and Jace Niswonger.

Ginger will always be remembered for her warm personality, infectious laughter, and exceptional cooking. Her legacy of friendship and hospitality lives on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.

In accordance with Ginger’s wishes, she will be cremated, interred with Charles' ashes at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, FL, as well as some spread at the beach. A Celebration Dinner will follow to honor her life and the joy she brought to so many.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests for donations to be made in Ginger's honor to the Pensacola Humane Society.