Ms. Deborah Ruark Pulliam

Deborah “Debbie” Lee Pulliam passed away peacefully on September 17, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. She was 70 years old. Debbie was born on June 4, 1955, in Puerto Rico, while her father, Charles Ruark, was stationed there during the Korean War. After leaving Puerto Rico, the Ruark family moved to North Carolina and then spent several years relocating across towns throughout the Carolinas—experiences that shaped Debbie's sense of adaptability, curiosity, and resilience. She graduated from Kennan High School, in Columbia, SC in 1972 and went on to attend the University of South Carolina, where she was a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority, Pi Beta Kappa and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1976 with a degree in Political Science. Her academic excellence reflected a lifelong love of learning and a deep commitment to everything she set her mind to. After college, Debbie started her family and welcomed her dear children, Robert and Ryan, into the world. Raising them was the greatest joy and proudest accomplishment of her life. Her love for Robert and Ryan knew no bounds, and her devotion as a mother was unmatched. Debbie had a vibrant spirit and an infectious love for life. She had a passion for travel, and her heart belonged especially to Italy, a place she often referred to as her “second home.” This love of travel later blossomed into a fulfilling career in vacation planning, where she found joy working with Forest Lake Travel, helping others experience the world she so deeply loved. Debbie found joy in the simple pleasures—sunflowers in full bloom, a glass of Chianti, the crunch of Wheat Thins, and a cold Diet Pepsi. Whether it was dancing like no one was watching or sharing a quiet moment with loved ones, Debbie embraced life with both arms open. Debbie also found deep spiritual fulfillment and community at Forest Lake Presbyterian Church. It became a cherished place of peace, belonging, and purpose—offering her strength, connection, and joy. Above all else, Debbie loved her family. They were the center of her world, her greatest joy, and her proudest achievement. Her warmth, compassion, and unwavering support were gifts she gave freely, and she leaves behind a legacy of love that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Debbie is predeceased by her father, Charles Wilson Ruark Jr. She is is survived by her mother, Carol Ruark, her son Robert Pulliam (spouse Cari Pulliam), her daughter Ryan Pulliam, her brothers Wilson Ruark (spouse Sawako Ruark) and James Ruark (spouse Amy Ruark), her nieces and nephews, Charles and Lucy Ruark and JK and Alec Ruark, as well as her beloved grandchildren, Levi Pulliam, Justus Pulliam, Evangeline Pulliam, Michael Pulliam, and Rose Pulliam. She is also survived by her dear longtime friend Laurie Barnett. Debbie Pulliam will be remembered always for her joy, her laughter, and her limitless love. She danced through life with grace, and now, she rests in peace. A celebration of Debbie’s remarkable life will be held on November 12, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Forest Lake Presbyterian Church, 6500 North Trenholm Road Columbia, SC 29206. The family will receive friends following the service in the church parlor. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Forest Lake Presbyterian Church Endowment Fund, by using the direct link for online giving, https://onrealm.org/ForestLakePresb/-/form/give/now. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

Tributes

Ms. Deborah Ruark Pulliam

June 4, 1955 - September 17, 2025