Raymond L. Tumbleston

Raymond L. Tumbleston, 80, of Meggett, SC passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Thursday, June 2, 2016. A graveside service will be held on Sunday, June 5, 2016 at 3 o’clock PM at Christ St. Paul’s Church Cemetery, 4981 Chapel Road, Hollywood. Raymond was born in Ravenel, SC to George W. Tumbleston and Otto Caddin Tumbleston the 3rd of 6 children. Raymond started his farming career working for Mr. George W. Hills on Johns Island then moved to his beloved Edisto Island to continue the legacy of farming the rich soil of the Botony Bay, Point of Pines, Sunnyside Plantations and Little Britton Island. Known as the Geechie Boy, he grew and packed tomatoes, cucumbers, watermelons and cantaloupes which were shipped throughout the United States, Canada & Puerto Rico. Raymond was a pioneer in the advancement of technology integration for the improvement of agricultural practices. In 1967 Raymond was awarded as the Young Farmer of the Year and during his lifetime he received awards and recognitions along with serving on many agricultural, horticulture, and conservation committees and boards. Most noted he was appointed by two United States presidents to serve on Agriculture Advisory boards and Governors of South Carolina for Farm Workers Labor Commission and Insecticide Advisory Commission. He served the Soil & Water Conservation Board, Farm Credit Board, AgSouth Farm Credit Board, First Union Bank Board, South Carolina Farm Bureau, American Farm Bureau Federation, Agricultural Society of South Carolina, Clemson University Board of Visitors, Ag. Economic & Curriculum Board at Clemson University, SC Association of Conservation, SC Horticultural Society, SC Tomato Association, Charleston County Planning & Zoning Committee. In his community and church he served on the Country Day School Board of Directors, Lions Club of Edisto Beach, Deacon of Edisto Beach Baptist Church and Elder of Edisto Island Presbyterian Church. Raymond and Carla built a legacy for their children and grandchildren and retired from farming in 1998. “There are some people in life who others instinctively flock around for they generate sincerity and good feelings in all. Rather than dwell on life’s hardships, they emphasize the good. They give more than they take. And they’ve always got a new joke and a friendly pat on the back for anyone who comes their way. Edisto’s “Geechie Boy, “Raymond Tumbleston, is such a person. At a quick glance, one finds Tumbleston to be a lighthearted sort of fellow, but he’s very serious when it comes to his deep commitments to his Lord, family, community and work.” He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Carla Bowman Tumbleston, his son Raymond L. Tumbleston, Jr. (Liz) and his daughter Deanna Tumbleston Barteet (Dannie), 4 grandchildren Danyelle Barteet Blitch (John), Melanie Tumbleston Bryant (Travis), Emily Tumbleston Prichard (Lytle), Joseph Daniel C. Barteet; 10 great grandchildren, Ayden Tumbleston, Jakob Tumbleston, Valen Bryant, Ellie Blitch, Peyton Davenport, Clara Grace Blitch, Miranda Jenkins, Will Prichard, Amelia Blitch , Dominic Bryant; 2 brothers, George W. Tumbleston, Jr. , Benny L. Tumbleston (Alex) one sister Mable Tumbleston Hill (Mackey). He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Burnett Leroy Tumbleston, Roy Harmon Tumbleston. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Agricultural Society of South Carolina: PO Box 80984 Charleston, SC 29416, or a charity of one’s choice. Special thanks to his care givers Janelle and Amber. A memorial message may be written to the family by visiting our website at www.jamesadyal.com. ARRANGEMENTS BY JAMES A. DYAL FUNERAL HOME, 303 SOUTH MAIN STREET, SUMMERVILLE, SC 29483 (843)873-4040.

Raymond L. Tumbleston

February 28, 1936 - June 2, 2016