RALPH M. ABERCROMBIE Jr.

COLUMBIA -- Ralph McCall Abercrombie Jr., of Columbia, died Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2007. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Spring Valley Presbyterian Church with a reception to follow. Interment will be private.

Born in Charlotte, N.C., Ralph graduated from the University of North Carolina. In 1958, Ralph began his career in hospital administration by serving residency at Charlotte Memorial Hospital, moving in 1960 to Spartanburg General Hospital, where he served as assistant administrator. In 1963, he and his family moved to Sumter, where he served as administrator of Tuomey Hospital. Moving to Columbia in 1985, he continued his career by serving as executive director of the Providence Hospital Foundation until 1992. After that date, he continued serving in various positions in the field of health care, including affiliation with Batson Architects Inc.

His affiliation and accomplishments include serving on the board and as president (1969) of the South Carolina Hospital Association. He was a founding board member and chairman of the board of the Duke Endowment-based H. Carl Rowland Memorial Library, board member of Blue Cross of South Carolina and longtime member of the South Carolina Medical Malpractice Joint Underwriting Association. Serving Rotary faithfully for 42 years with perfect attendance, Ralph was past president of the Rotary Club of Sumter and was Rotary District 777 governor in 1975-76. A Paul Harris Fellow, he was later a member of the Rotary Club of Columbia. Other Rotarian activities include serving as district chairman for the PolioPlus committee that raised $975,000 for vaccines, and he chaired the district fellowship committee for 15 years.

Ralph's other affiliations and achievements include the Boy Scouts of America as former scoutmaster, district operating committee chairman and vice president for exploring for two different districts. He held the prestigious Silver Beaver Award as a life scout and eagle scout. He served in the U.S. Army's 773rd Tank Battalion from 1950 to 1952.

Ralph conducted his life as a Christian, following in Jesus Christ's footsteps as faithful servant to his churches. He ended a long life of service as elder of Spring Valley Presbyterian Church and as a devoted Sunday school teacher. His life was first and foremost about dedication to Christian principles, and he conducted it in such a way as to leave no doubt about the strength of his faith. He loved the Lord Jesus, he loved his family, he loved serving to promote the health of God's children and he loved to play golf when he was not helping others.

Ralph was born Sept. 26, 1928, in Charlotte to the late Ralph McCall Abercrombie Sr. and the late Mamie Schenck Abercrombie. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Joanne; sisters, Louise Hunsucker and her husband, Charles, Carolyn Stewart and her husband, Sonny, and Laverne Kiser and her husband, Bill; a brother, Carroll and his wife, Jean; and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

Surviving also are sons, Ralph III and his wife, Kathie, Jeffrey Hunter Abercrombie and James Malcomb Abercrombie and wife, Nancy; daughter, Anne Abercrombie Shissias and her husband, Alex; beloved grandchildren, Jesse Earl Abercrombie, Tracy Elaine Abercrombie, James (Jack) McCall Abercrombie, Nancy Grier Abercrombie and Hunter Alexander Shissias.

He was predeceased by a sister, Rebecca, and a brother, Bruce.

Memorials may be sent to Spring Valley Presbyterian Church, 125 Sparkleberry Lane, Columbia, SC, 29229, or to the charity of one's choice.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com.