Ruby Lee Gettys

Ruby Lee Gettys of 408 Bishop Road, Union passed peacefully into her eternal rest on November 20, 2023 at Ellen Sagar Nursing Home after several years of declining health.

Mrs. Gettys was born in Union County on June 4, 1934, the daughter of the late Amanda Mae Martin Lawson and Charles Robert Lawson of Lockhart, SC. She was an employee of Milliken and Company for over 35 years before her retirement and was a faithful member of Lower Fairforest Baptist Church in Union until her health precluded her attendance.

Family predeceasing her were her husband, Sam Landy Gettys, a former US Marine who was the love of her life; a brother, Robert Earl Lawson (Nancy) of Lockhart and a sister, Betty Jean Stepp (Berry), also of Lockhart.

"Miss Ruby" was one of her generation that spoke freely of her opinion in all matters whether that opinion was asked or not but at the same time worked tirelessly to be a friend to all she knew. She was a wonderful cook whose chicken and dumplings were sought out at every church homecoming. While she and Sam had no children of their own, there was always a special bond between her and her cousin, John W. Martin. They grew up in the same household and as the years progressed and they both became adults, their relationship became more like that of a parent/child.

Surviving are her cousin, John W. Martin and wife Dianne; a sister, Dot Gibson of Sharon and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM, Friday, November 24, 2023, at the S.R.  Holcombe Funeral Chapel located at 310 West South Street in Union SC, conducted by Rev. Carol Caldwell of Woodruff, Rev. John Thomas of Toccoa, GA and Rev. Jim Cunningham of Union. Burial to follow at Union Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 3:00 PM Friday at the chapel prior to the services.

Active pallbearers will be John Samuel Martin, Joey Martin, Tony Lawson, and Leonard Smith.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the nursing staff at Ellen Sagar Nursing Home for their care of Ruby during her time with them, to Ruby's special friends, Brenda Leonhardt and Maritza Taute and to the hospice care team of Spartanburg Regional especially Toni Gregory for the special care given to Ruby during her last days.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lower Fairforest Baptist Church, 125 Lower Fairforest Church Rd., Union, SC 29379.