Raymond "Jerry" Gerald Strawbridge

July 5, 1942 - February 7, 2022
MBHS Class of 1960

Obituary for Raymond "Jerry" Gerald Strawbridge

Raymond "Jerry" Gerald Strawbridge, 79, of Leesville, SC, passed away Monday, February 7, 2022 at home surrounded by his family. 

Jerry was born on July 5, 1942, to the late Elbert Leroy and Margaret Mitchell Strawbridge in Columbia, SC. After graduating from Myrtle Beach High School in 1960, he joined the South Carolina National Guard where he served 40 years. Upon his retirement, he held rank of Sergeant Major for 14 years. He was a Past Master of Pacific Masonic Lodge and member of Saluda Masonic Lodge. He was also a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, as well as a Past District Deputy Grand Master of the 10th Masonic District. 

Jerry was previously Chair of the Republican Party of Saluda County, Chair of Saluda County Water and Sewer Authority, and current Chairman of the Saluda County Council. He was a member of Rehoboth United Methodist Church where he served as Chairman of the Administrative Council, was a Sunday School teacher, and delivered several testimonies of his faith. 

Surviving are his wife of 35 years, Denise Rowsam Strawbridge, three daughters, Angela Thompson (John), Katherine Carter (James) and Ashley Rose (Tyler), one son, Raymond Strawbridge, Jr. (Dawn), five sisters, Dianne Aikman (Michael) of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Brenda Joyner (Wayne) of Lugoff, Linda Turbyfill (Arthur) of Lugoff, Margo Brooks (Larry) of Dallas, TX and Barbara Jean Stamper (Ryan) of Mansfield, OH, and seven grandchildren, Jacob, Daniel, Phillip, Lee, Clayton, Mason and Kaylin. 

Mr. Strawbridge was preceded in death by a sister, Kay Russell. 

The family would like to take the opportunity to thank Ralph Kennedy, Dr. Cline, Dr. Wells, Dr. Gantt, Dr. McCartha, Dr. Wheeler, the staff of the Lexington Oncology Department, MSA Home Health and Hospice, Amedisys Hospice, Rehoboth UMC family. 

A funeral service will be held at 2 PM, Sunday, February 13, 2022 at Rehoboth United Methodist Church with Rev. Colton officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends following the service. 

Memorials may be made to Rehoboth UMC, 936 Holly Ferry Road, Leesville, SC 29070, Saluda County EMS, 400 W. Highland St, Saluda, SC 29138, American Lung Association, 2030 North Church Place, Spartanburg, SC 29303, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memorials Processing, 501 St. Jude PL, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.