Ron Shoupe

Mr. Ronald Gene Shoupe, affectionately known by all as “Ron”, age 65, entered into rest Saturday morning, March 7, 2015, at his home on Azalea Drive in Walterboro while under the care of Hospice of Charleston.

Funeral services will be conducted 2 o’clock Monday afternoon, March 9, 2015, from Bethel United Methodist Church, 355 Hampton Street, Walterboro. The Reverend Ben L. Barnett and The Reverend Danny Fogle officiating. Interment will follow in Little Swamp United Methodist Church Cemetery, 17465 Hunter’s Chapel Road, Smoaks.

Born December 14, 1949, the only child of the late John P. Shoupe and the late Marsha Perkins Shoupe, he was a native of Tampa, Florida before his parents made Walterboro their home when he was the age of 13. Ron was no stranger to hard work, and his work ethic is a trait that will always be remembered. He was truly a jack-of-all trades. He was a Facilities Management Director having begun his career with Colleton County before transitioning to same position within the Colleton County Sherriff’s Department where he worked diligently and faithfully until retiring December 15, 2014, one day after turning sixty-five. As the Facilities Management Director for Colleton County, one of his greatest accomplishments was the renovation of the Colleton County Court House. His most recent job was the one he loved most having served as a reserve officer under a man who he greatly admired, Sherriff R.A. Strickland. Ron was also a master plumber, a trade he learned under the expertise of his father. He was responsible for the plumbing of the South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston.

In the earlier years of his life, on top of a full time career, dedicating his life to his family was top priority. He coached baseball teams and was extremely active in his children’s athletic clubs and the Band of Blue Booster Club. He dedicated many long hours as a volunteer fireman in Colleton County. For twelve years, he served as the Assistant Chief of the Colleton Rural Fire Department and in 1971, he along with others helped in the founding of the Colleton County Rescue Squad. He was dedicated to the Colleton County Rice Festival, helping in many ways with the festival each year and the organizing of its annual parade.

Ron will be fondly remembered for centering his life around his family and the joys he had in spending time with his grandchildren. Ron was also an avid outdoorsman, loving to fish and hunt. He was a member of the Lower Ashton Hunting Club and was formerly a member of the Walterboro Jaycees. He was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church in the Historic District of Walterboro and was extremely active with the church’s Relay for Life Team.

Surviving are: his wife of forty-two years, Mrs. Billie George Shoupe; his two children, Casey Shoupe and his wife Leigh-Ann of Walterboro and Robin Shoupe Crosby and her husband Bryan of Ashton; two grandchildren, Kenleigh and Caden and one of the way; as well as his beloved Boykin Spaniel, Dixie. He is also survived by Billie’s mother, Carolyn Hunt of Smoaks; and her brother, Duncan Hunt and his wife Cindy and their family of Walterboro.

Flowers will be accepted, or for those that so desire, the family has requested that memorial contributions be directed in his memory to: Bethel United Methodist Church Relay for Life Team, 355 Hampton Street, Walterboro, South Carolina 29488.

Family and friends are invited to call this Sunday evening for visitation with the family from 6 o’clock until 8 o ‘clock at THE BRICE W. HERNDON AND SONS FUNERAL HOME, WALTERBORO CHAPEL, 1193 Bells Highway, Walterboro; 843.538.5408. Visit the registry online at: www.briceherndonfuneralhome.com.

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