Ralph Fore Obituary

"His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord." Matthew 25:21. Deacon Ralph Van Fore transitioned peacefully early Thursday morning, September 4, 2025, at McLeod Hospice in Florence, SC. Mr. Fore was born on December 10, 1925, in the Cool Springs section of Aynor, SC, to the late Willie Arthur (Bud) and Fancy Gowans Fore. He was a proud graduate of Whittimore High School, one of the first public high schools for black students in Horry County. Mr. Fore earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Allen University and continued his graduate studies at New York University, South Carolina State College, North Carolina A&T, The Catholic University of America, and the Illinois Institute of Technology. He returned to Whittimore High School as the Math Department Chairman and taught for many years before serving as principal at Levister and assistant principal at Aynor High School. Mr. Fore returned to his love of teaching prior to retiring from Horry County Schools with 44 years of exemplary service. Mr. Fore was converted at an early age and was an active and devoted member of St Matthew Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. Fore was an ordained deacon of The Kingston Lake Missionary Baptist Association and committed a lifetime of faithful service to the Lord. Deacon Fore served as the Association secretary for many years, as well as in numerous capacities within St. Matthew. Deacon Fore was a beloved member of the community and enjoyed conversations with anyone he met. He was a brilliant mathematician, a passionate advocate of education, a Bible scholar, and an avid traveler with numerous stamps in his passport. Deacon Fore was preceded in death by his lovely wife of 48 years, Mrs. Susan Fore, and his dutiful son, Officer Rodney Hemingway. He leaves to cherish his fond and loving memories, two daughters: Shelia (Charles) Demery of Glen Burnie, Maryland, and Zelda (Corey) Moody of Aynor, SC; one daughter-in-law: Thomasina Hemingway of Aynor, SC; seven grandchildren: Alyssa, Sterling, Stashia, Rodrick, Chanan, Charys, and Chesni; three great-grandchildren: Jayden, Karley, and Elizabeth; and a host of brothers and sisters in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, church family, and friends who will miss him dearly. The Viewing will be held Monday, Sept. 8, 2025 at Latimer's Funeral Home 2-6PM. The Funeral will be held Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025 at St. Matthews MBC 3446 Hwy 319 Aynor, SC 2PM. Burial will follow in the Church Cemetery. To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.