Burl Ruskin Alligood

Published 12:08 pm Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Sumter, SC — Burl Ruskin Alligood, age 87, of Sumter, SC, passed away peacefully, Friday, January 10, 2025, at his residence surrounded by his family. He was born December 17, 1937, in Washington, NC to Cyril Ruskin and Alta Mae Waters Alligood.

Soon after graduating high school, Burl enlisted in the US Air Force, where he proudly served his country for 20 years. Retiring as Senior Master Sergeant. He was also a Vietnam War Veteran.

During his Air Force career, he received numerous medals and awards, including the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, and Air Force Commendation Medal with 3 oak leaf clusters.

After retiring from the Air Force, Burl settled in Sumter, SC with his wife and two children. He started a new career in the Jewelry Business. After 3 years in retail jewelry, he opened his own business, Burls Fine Jewelry, which he successfully ran for 27 years.

Burl was a life member of Sumter Masonic Lodge, member of OMAR Shrine Temple and Color Guard, Sumter Shrine Club, also a member of Royal Order of Jesters Charleston Chapter 113. Member of American Legion, and charter member of Helping Hands of Sumter.

Visitation will be Saturday, January 18^th at 1PM, at Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home at 515 Miller Rd. Sumter, SC 29150. The memorial services will be held after visitation Saturday at 2 PM also at Elmore-Cannon-Stephens.  Dr. Bob Calvert of First Baptist Church will officiate.

A burial will be held at Evergreen Cemetery at 802 N Guignard Dr. Sumter, SC 29150. with full military honors.

Burl was preceded in death by his parents Cyril and Alta Mae Alligood, wife, Mary Lewis Alligood, two daughters, Terry Alligood and Melissa Alligood Trout, and a sister Betty Alligood Woolard.

He leaves to cherish his memory, one brother Roland Alligood (Fern Martin), son Eric Burl Alligood (Teresa), 4 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Eric Connor Alligood (wife Ashley, children: Emmalyn, Madilynn and Michael), Lee Gage Alligood (wife Leah, children: Greyson and Evelyn), AnnaVictoria Alligood Brevitz (husband Tyler) and Ashleigh Blair Alligood.

Family will receive friends at their home, 3 Fern Ct, Sumter SC following graveside services.

Memorials may be made to the Shriners Children Hospital in Greenville, SC.

Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.