James Thomas "Jimmy" Rambo, Sr.

James Thomas “Jimmy” Rambo, Sr., widower of Louise Baker Rambo, passed away December 17th at McCall Hospice House. He was born in Abbeville to the late Hugh Rambo, Sr. and Katherine W. Ware. He was reared in the home of his maternal grandparents Edgar and Katie Woodhurst.

Jimmy graduated from Abbeville High School, Erskine College with a degree in accounting, and the South Carolina Bankers School. He retired from Milliken & Co. and Pacolet Milliken with 39 years of service. After retirement, he devoted his time to volunteering in various missions of Laurens First United Methodist, including its community garden, food bank, and support of backpack blessings.

Most of his life, he was a member of Grace United Methodist in Abbeville but attended First United Methodist after moving to Laurens. He was a member of the Laurens Gideon Camp, Laurens Lions Club, and the Searchers Sunday School Class of First United Methodist.

He loved attending sporting events with his family. He was a 56 year member of the Gamecock Club. He especially enjoyed the revival of Erskine’s football program. His favorite events to attend though were his grandsons’ football and baseball games.

Jimmy is survived by his son James Thomas Rambo, Jr.; daughter-in-law Courtney Howard Rambo; grandsons John Parker Rambo and McKay Woodhurst Rambo of Simpsonville. He is also survived by half-brothers Hugh and Thomas Rambo. He is also survived by cousins Albert Dansby, Cyndi Gary, Geri Miniati, and his brothers and sisters of the Byrnes Scholars.

The family would like to thank the members and staff of First United Methodist, the staff of Martha Franks Retirement Community, and the nurses at McCall Hospice House for all of their kindness and care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist P.O. Box 203, Laurens, SC 29360; The James F. Byrnes Foundation PO Box 6781 Columbia, SC 29260; or Erskine College James T. Rambo Scholarship, PO Box 338 Due West, SC 29639.

The Celebration of Life and Resurrection will be held January 10, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Laurens First United Methodist. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall immediately following the service. The burial will be private.

Condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.grayfuneralhome.com

Gray Funeral Home of Laurens is honored to assist the Rambo family with services.