Robert James Putnam

Robert "Bob" James Putnam, age 87, of Irmo, South Carolina went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, April 20, 2022. He was born on May 8, 1934, in Tacoma, Washington - the only child of the late Robert William Putnam and Flora Ramsay.

Bob spent most of his childhood around the Seattle area and at his family’s 1,000-acre ranch in Selah, Washington. He later moved to San Francisco, California where he graduated from George Washington High School in 1953.

At the age of 18, he met the love of his life, Margaret Johnson, while at church in Seattle. They married in 1955 and were married for 66 years until her passing in July of 2021.

Bob and Margaret enjoyed volunteering at Lakeside Bible Camp, serving as counselors at the Billy Graham Crusades, and supporting and participating in mission work all over the world. They attended Des Moines Gospel Chapel for over 25 years.

Bob received his bachelor’s degree in Education from Seattle Pacific University.

He held a variety of jobs throughout his career, including serving in the United States Army, working for the post office, teaching middle school English, and owning a health food store. He finished his career at Heath Tecna, where he served as a quality control supervisor for 25 years.

Bob and Margaret resided in many places over the years, including cities throughout Washington; San Francisco, CA; Alaska; Asheville, NC; and the Columbia, S.C. area. Bob felt most at home in the South.

He retired in 1999 and moved to South Carolina, where he earned a master’s degree in Greek and Hebrew from Columbia International University. Bob and Margaret were warmly embraced by their church family at Woodland Hills Community Church and Bethany Chapel.

Bob enjoyed spending his free time swimming, studying Greek and Hebrew at the library, and learning and teaching others about nutrition, music, and cooking.

There is nothing he was more passionate about than studying the Word of God and telling people about Jesus.

Bob will be remembered as a devoted servant of the Lord, a loving husband, father, grandpa, and great-grandpa. He will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his sons, John M. (Victoria) Putnam of Clearwater, FL, and Mark R. (Lola) Putnam of Clearwater, FL, and David M. Putnam of Spring Hill, FL; his grandchildren, Jennifer (Robert) Fisher, and Matthew (Jenn) Putnam; and his great-grandchildren, Emma Fisher, Benjamin Fisher, and Stella Putnam.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert William Putnam, and Flora Ramsay; and his wife, Margaret Putnam.

Services and interment are private.

The family of Robert Putnam requests that any memorials in his memory be made to their local Child Evangelism Fellowship chapter.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Evergreen-Washelli.com for the Putnam family.