LANCASTER, SC – Ralph Garris, faithful servant of The Lord Jesus Christ departed this life on Friday, October 11, 2024. He then stepped inside The Gate of Heaven where he was met by His Merciful Savior, his dear Mother and all other friends and loved ones gone on before.

Ralph was an electrician by trade. However, he was a very talented man in that he could do any task or make anything he imagined. One of Ralph's greatest accomplishments in life was that he willingly joined the Navy and served our great nation. He spoke often of his duties and responsibilities that he carried out faithfully on the ship. He was very proud of his service.

Ralph Garris was born December 2, 1943, in Lancaster, SC to Edward Garris and Ida Lambert Garris who are both deceased.

His survivors include his wife of almost 25 years whom he adored and took excellent care of, Linda Joyce Garris. They loved to attend church and serve the Lord together. Camping with friends and family was a favorite thing they enjoyed every year. Working in the yard together with Ralph riding on his self-made golfcart was very rewarding for them as a couple. His son, Walt Garris (Teresa), admonishes him as "My Hero". They made awesome memories and enjoyed the best things in life like fishing, hunting, and camping just to name a few. Many nights they could be found watching Clint Eastwood movies with Josey Wales which was at the top of the list. The two had a very special bond as father and son like no other. That bond secured the fact that Walt would take excellent care of his dad during the last year of his declining health.

Ralph's sibling survivors are Carolyn Roddey of Murrells Inlet, SC, Nancye Bumgardner of Simpsonville, SC, Roger Garris (Diane) of Atlanta, GA and Charles Garris of Lancaster, SC. He loved them all dearly and prayed daily that they could all join together in Heaven one day. Walt's marriage with Teresa brought the joy of a grandchild, Jessica Keye Tufano (Joseph) into the mix. Their children, Marshall Tufano and Beckham Tufano were a delightful conversation on many occasions for him as he watched them grow. He was always eager to hear about their latest happenings. Ralph's marriage with Joyce also blended a special union with Cera McManus (Brian), whom he raised and cared for as his daughter. He cherished her so very much. Many nights and mornings he could be found preparing meals for Cera and her friends. Later when Cera had her son, Easton McManus, he became the Apple of Ralph's eye as a very special grandson. Ralph adored everything about him. His greatest delight was going and watching Easton play ball when he was physically able to do so. Fishing trips with Paw Paw Ralph and Wally Pop were always a memory talked about often. He's also survived by another bonus grandson, Carson McManus. Survivors also include special bonus sons Eugene Snipes (Tammy) and Ronnie Snipes (Michelle) granddaughters, Ashley Starnes, Olyvia Snipes and Gabriella Snipes great granddaughter Evelyn and great grandson Lincoln.

He was predeceased by his daughter Lisa Garris, and brother-in-law, Pete Bumgardner and his sister-in-law, Annie Garris.

Ralph will be missed by many friends and special family as well.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to his church family which consist not only of Lynwood Drive Church of God but also Lancaster First Pentecostal Holiness Church. Your prayers and steadfastness have sustained us during the tough times we have endured. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the nurses and caregivers that provided such great care for Ralph during these last months of his life and especially to the staff of Hospice of Lancaster and The Piedmont.

A chance to meet with Ralph's family will be at Burgess Funeral Home on Monday, October 14, 2024, from 5pm - 7pm.

The Service will be held on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Lynwood Drive Church of God with Reverends Clyde Hardin, Johnny Hefner and Bill Phipps officiating. Burial will be private.