Roosevelt Putman

Mr. Roosevelt Putman was born on April 5th, 1943 in Laurens County, SC to the late James Wheeler Putman and Lottie Mae Jones Putman. He entered eternal rest on August 30th, 2025, at the age of 82.

At an early age Roosevelt joined Center Rabun Missionary Baptist Church before moving to Syracuse, NY as a young man.  Roosevelt was a gentle giant, a man with humor and love for his family. He was affectionately known as “Rosie”, “Ro” or “Big Rosie”. He was a kind man and did not mind helping anyone. He worked as a manual laborer driving 50-ton dump trucks, a master of operating construction/paving equipment. He worked for his cousin, Lee Coker of Coker Paving for many years. He also worked for Leema Gravel Beds for years before being forced to retire due to having a stroke.

Roosevelt had a God’s gift of repairing small engines that others said could not be repaired. It may have taken him all day long, but he would be determined to get the job done.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings David Putman, Clay Putman, James “JW” Putman, Bobbie Woodruff, Mary Shaw, Jones Stoddard, Edith Putman, and Juanita Sullivan; and one son, James Huddleston.

He leaves to cherish many fond memories to his wife, Debra Smith-Putman of Syracuse, NY; daughters, Tracey Ford of Syracuse, NY, Jackie Fowler Vance of Fountain Inn, SC, Phylis Fowler of Mauldin, SC, and Connitha Baugh of Anderson, SC; a special niece, Thelma Jean Putman of Fountain Inn, SC; and a special nephew, Anthony Coker of Syracuse, NY. He is also survived by a multitude of grandchildren, great grandchildren, a host of nieces, and nephews including special family friends, Sheila Denson and Cynde Forest of Syracuse, NY.

The funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 7, 2025 at Center Rabun Missionary Baptist Church in Gray Court, SC.  The interment will follow in the church cemetery. Public viewing will be held Saturday from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

The family is at the home.

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