John Rumball

John Rumball, 81, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Sunday May 23, 2021 at his home in Pawleys Island, South Carolina. He was born on August 7, 1939 in Rochester, New York to the late John Marcus & Lewellyn Clark Rumball.

Along with his parents, John is reunited in passing with his beloved wife, Helen Faye Rumball, who left us on February 13, 2016.

John played football and played the French horn in the orchestra in high school and also he joined the Coast Guard while still in High school. While active, John was an officer in the Coast Guard and Navy Reserves and had a great love for boating fishing and loved the ocean from a young boy. He later became a competitive water skier in the state of Florida.  John also loved camping as he owned a camper where his wife Helen Faye had many wonderful adventures in their RV. He loved the great outdoors! He adored his two dogs Minnie and Maxie who were with him until the end of his life. After the service, John had his own family with three girls and one boy. He worked for the VA canteen/commissary for almost 33 years before retiring. He was in charge of multiple commissaries when the family moved to Washington DC as a Director. His last assignment was in Johnson City when he ran the VA canteen there for many years. His Love for the law lead him to the Sheriff’s Department at the age of 55 and completed Police boot camp then worked as a deputy Sheriff in the Juvenile Crime Division in Johnson City for 10 years. Ever the one to stay busy, John had a strong work ethic and provided well for his family. In the early 90’s, John graduated from the University of Southern California with a Law Degree. He was a patriotic man who served and loved his country. John was a good man and easily made friends everywhere he lived.  John was also an Eagle Scout and was on the Board of Commissions for Scouting in North Carolina; was the Lt. Governor for Kiwanis Division 7 Kentucky as well as Tennessee 1989-1990 & President Kiwanis Johnson City, TN 1986-1987.

John retired once again and he and Helen Fay moved to Georgia to be near Jana and Bill and Addie. While there, John got a part time job at Lanier Islands resort in security and really enjoyed that. After a few years, they moved back to Charlotte, NC to spend time with Kim and Becky. He was a member of Forest Hill Community Church in Charlotte and attended a weekly men’s bible study (Life group) where he served the Lord and his community and accepted Jesus as is Savior. He cherished his life Group men led by Larry Shelby. Sadly his wife Helen Fay passed away there in 2016. John’s last move was to Pawleys Island where he bought a new home only a few miles from the beach. We have all enjoyed visiting him there in the last few summers and enjoyed the local restaurants and the beach there. John attended Pawleys Island Community Church regularly. He had strong bond with his neighbors and made a foot print on his community at the Colony. John was a committed Christian and will live in eternity in Heaven. We will miss him dearly but he will remain in our hearts forever.

Left to cherish John’s memory are his daughters, Kim Santamaria and her husband, Ray of Maiden, North Carolina, Rebekah Faye and Jeffery Allen Thomas of Ramseur, North Carolina & Jana Powell and her husband, Bill of Buford, Georgia; son, John Lee Rumball and his wife, Beth Rumball of Tampa, Florida; grandchildren, Addie Lee Powell, Jared Rumball, J.J. Rumball, & Amy Rumball; sister, Kay Thompson; other family members, Shirley and Richard Risser Apopka, Florida; several nieces, nephews and cousins; a large, loving extended family and many supportive friends and neighbors.

A Celebration of John’s life will be held privately.

At the request of the family, please consider memorial contributions in lieu of flowers. Donations in John’s name may be made to Hoskins Park Ministry 104 Cromer St Charlotte, NC 28202, Attn: Pastor Johnnie.

To view these details online or to offer words of comfort through the online guest book, kindly visit the funeral home website at, www.burroughsfh.com.

Burroughs Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Murrells Inlet (843.651.1440) is in charge of arrangements.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.