George Rupp, D.D.S.

George M. Rupp, D.D.S., 87, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2016 at his eldest daughter's home on Hilton Head Island. He was born on December 26, 1929 to Paul and Mary (Marshall) Rupp in Toledo, Ohio. George was a 1948 graduate of DeVilbiss High School. He attended Toledo University and graduated from Case Western University Dental School in 1958. He was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps (Korean War- Frozen Chosin) and a Lt. Commander in the Navy (Dental officer-Vietnam War). George was married to his beautiful bride, June Knight in 1959, and remained happily married for 56 years. His love and devotion for her was the biggest gift he gave his children. Besides his dedication to his family, he enjoyed working as a dentist in his private practice for 47 years, and continued to work after his retirement at Parris Island Dental Clinic, Fort Stewart Dental Clinic, and Volunteers of Medicine on Hilton Head Island. He also committed much of his time to the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), The Lions Club of Clemson, Sun City Bird Club, Sun City Tennis Club and Sun City Veterans Club. He was invited to participate in The Honor Flight of the Lowcountry September, 2014 for his service in Korea and Vietnam. He was an avid tennis player, enjoyed running, casting jewelry and in his later years riding his bike.    He was often referred to as the "gentle giant," and his kind heart and love for all living things often found him tending to birds or at the dog park walking his beloved dogs he had rescued.    Those who knew George always had an appreciation for his kindness and tremendous sense of humor.

George was predeceased by his loving wife June on February 25 , 2016 and is survived by his 6 children Bob, Bill, Lisa, Tom, Laurel and Kris. He is also survived by his 7 grandchildren Will, Jordan, Hunter, Delaney, Rachel, Kyle and Avery.

A special thanks to the amazing health care professionals at Emerson Health, Right-at- Home, and Hospice Care of the Lowcountry for their wonderful dedication to his care and the comfort they provided in the last days of his life.

A private graveside service will be held at Beaufort National Cemetery where he will receive full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to NAMI Lowcountry, P. O. Box 24128, Hilton Head, SC 29925 or online at www.namilowcountry.org .