Springfield – Ruth Exley McCormick passed away with peace Thursday June 2, 2022 at Effingham Care Center in Springfield where she had been a resident for several years. She had been in declining health for some time.

Ruth was born on May 26, 1926 in Argyle, GA, the oldest child of Addie Maria Shearouse and George Carlyle Exley of Springfield. She was married to James Leslie "Mac" McCormick on September 23, 1945 and they had two children, the late Addie Virginia McCormick and Robert Exley McCormick. Virginia was an educator, long time teacher, and Principal at Allendale Elementary School. Bobby was professor at Clemson University and later Dean of the Business School there.

Ruth was a graduate of Springfield High School and attended Georgia Southern and the University of Georgia. She and Mac built a home for Virginia and Bobby in Orangeburg, SC where she too was a teacher, mostly at Orangeburg High School. Later on, she played a mother's role in raising of her grandson Jacob Leslie McCormick, son of Virginia, and his son, Ian. Those were the glow in her eyes along with her two other grandsons, Exley Wood McCormick and Jesse Wood McCormick.

Ruth enjoyed and was centerpiece of her huge loving family. Her brothers, George Carlyle Exley, Jr., Jesse William Exley, and Tommy Lee Exley predeceased her along with her younger sister, Helen Exley Hobbs Dasher. She is survived by her sister, Betty Kicklighter of McLean, VA. She was most happy when surrounded by them and all their children. Ruth had 24 nieces and nephews, one of whom, Charlotte Johnson of Rincon, was her companion and close care giver in her declining and late years.

Ruth was an avid reader and talker. She and Mac were long time members of Orangeburg Presbyterian Church where he was an Elder. She loved history especially family history. Her love affair with genealogy was legendary. She was happiest when regaling family members with names of cousins and aunts and uncles and the depth of the family tree. She was a proud and good person with a big and generous heart.

There will be a family gathering later to celebrate her life. If desired, donations can be given in her memory to Effingham Care and Rehabilitation Center or a charity of your choice.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel (912) 754-6421.