M. Putnam, Jr.

McDuffie "M. D." Putnam, Jr., 96, of Roebuck, SC, passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2015, following a brief illness. A native of Spartanburg County, he was born March 19, 1918, the son of the late McDuffie Putnam, Sr. and Lillian Sprouse Putnam. M. D. was a graduate of the University of South Carolina and Furman University. After serving as teacher and principal in Greenville County, he was employed by Spartanburg District Six Schools as principal of Roebuck High School and Roebuck Jr. High School, and as assistant superintendent. After retiring with 43 years of service, he continued to be actively involved with school and community activities. A faithful member of Roebuck Baptist Church since 1953, he served as Sunday School teacher, Sunday School Superintendent for 28 years, later established and led the Adults Unlimited Class, and also served on many committees. Considering it a privilege to serve as Deacon for many years, he was named Deacon Emeritus at Roebuck Baptist Church. M. D. was a member of Spartanburg Lions Club since 1983 and recipient of the Lions International Melvin Jones Award. He was active with the Roebuck Improvement Association serving as vice president for many years. Surviving is his wife of 71 years, Jo Thomas Putnam; daughter, Mary Ann Catafygiotu (Tom); granddaughters, Tiffany Catafygiotu and Megan Howard (Ryan); great-grandchildren, Macyn and Camden Howard; sister, Dorothy Putnam Turnley of Greenwood, SC; brother, Bill Putnam (Marie) of Columbia, SC; and numerous nieces and nephews. M. D. was predeceased by one brother, Donald Putnam; and one sister, Lucia Putnam Snipes. Visitation will be 1:00-2:45 PM Thursday, February 19, 2015, at Roebuck Baptist Church, 1979 E. Blackstock Rd., Roebuck, SC 29376. Funeral services will follow at 3:00 PM, at the church, conducted by the Rev. Dr. Tim Williams, the Rev. Ondra Black, and the Rev. Monty King. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 1300 Fernwood-Glendale Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29307. Memorials may be made to the M. D. Putnam Scholarship Fund, Spartanburg County Foundation, 424 East Kennedy Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302; Kingdom Investment Strategy, RBC, PO Box 490, Roebuck, SC 29376; or a favorite charity. The family is at the home. Floyd's North Church Street Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of M. D. Putnam, Jr. please visit our Sympathy Store.