Edwin Laurence "Larry" Ruus

Walhalla, SC - Edwin Laurence "Larry" Ruus passed away on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at Cottingham Hospice House in Seneca, South Carolina. A graveside military service for family and friends will be held Saturday, July 16, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. in Bethany Cemetery, 10 Cunnington Avenue, Charleston, SC. A celebration of life will follow at 12:00 p.m. at VFW Post 3137, 1004 Ocean Blvd, Isle of Palms, SC. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel.

Larry, as he was known, was born at St. Francis Hospital in Charleston, South Carolina, on August 27, 1947, to Edwin Mayo Ruus, Sr., and Catherine Malloy Ruus. He graduated from Dykes High School in 1966 and, having been raised around the water, was an avid swimmer who mastered the butterfly stroke. His swimming career ended when he joined the Marine Corps and chose to serve his country in Vietnam (1968-1969) instead of joining the USMC Swim Team.

After the war, he began his career in demolition, working for his father-in-law. He suffered a massive injury, falling from an eight-story building when it collapsed. He was one of the only two survivors.

His career evolved from demolition into the project management field. He worked for several companies, including Benning Construction, Gilly Building, and Sandlapper Construction, located in Atlanta and Charleston, where he eventually retired.

Larry is survived by his wife, Donna Murray Collinsworth Ruus, and his two children, Russell Laurence Ruus (Allison Wilson Ruus) and Dana Caroline Ruus Johnson (Matthew Steven Johnson), whom he made with their mother, Ellen Claire Rose. Their son was named after an old friend from his time growing up on Hillside Drive in Atlanta, who died in Vietnam, and their daughter was named after one of his biggest loves in life, Neil Diamond. He knew every word to every song and would sing them at the top of his lungs whenever given the opportunity. His "star" shined brightly, and he was widely considered "The Life of the Party" by those who knew him.

He is also survived by his five grandchildren: Gavin, Levi, Avery, Henry, and Brooks, as well as Donna's four children: Heather Cobb (Eric), Kirt Walsh (Sarah), Sarah Collinsworth, and Victoria Tidwell (Chad), fifteen grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, whom all knew him as "Big L" or Poppy. He loved them all very much and was very proud of them. In addition, he is survived by his sister, Gayle Ruus Broach (Steve Broach), sister-in-law, Diane Ruus, as well as a multitude of nephews, nieces, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Edwin Mayo Ruus, Jr.

A Graveside Service and Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Larry was an avid lover of animals, except cats, and his list of canine companions includes Kahloe, Mayo, and Taco. For this reason, in lieu of flowers, a memorial may be made to Patriot Paws Service Dogs, http://patriotpaws.org/.