Raymond Ackerman

COLUMBIA - Raymond E. Ackerman, MD passed away suddenly in his home on May 26. He was born in Holly Hill, SC, to the late Bessie Kizer Ackerman and Nelson D. Ackerman. Beloved husband of Maxine Walters Ackerman for 59 years. He grew up in Moncks Corner and graduated from Clemson University. He was an honor graduate of the Medical University of South Carolina, where he also did his residency in psychiatry.

Dr. Ackerman was a former director of Charleston County Mental Health Clinic, Deputy Commissioner for S.C. Dept. of Mental Health for Community Mental Health Services for 15 years. During his tenure, the number of Community Mental Health Centers increased from one to 17. He served as Psychiatric Services Chief for TriCounty Mental Health Center in Bennettsville, Director of the "Rose Center" at the Regional Medical Center in Orangeburg and Special Consultant for Medicare Certification Program for NIMH.

Dr. Ackerman was a pioneer in the field of autism, receiving the "Professional of the Year" award from the National Society for Autistic Children in 1975. In 1981, the S.C. Society for Autistic Children named their award "Raymond E. Ackerman Professional of the Year." He was honored "Distinguished Life Fellow" by the American Psychiatric Association in 2003. He was a member of Alpha Omega Alpha (Honor Medical Society).

He was an active church member, serving as deacon in five different churches, and teaching Sunday School for a number of years. Most recently, he served as a volunteer counselor at First Baptist Church of Orangeburg for 15 years, where he was a member.

Predeceased by his parents, Nelson D. and Bessie Kiser Ackerman, a daughter, Sharon Jill Ackerman Gleaton, and a brother, William N. Ackerman. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Edward Stephen Ackerman, two daughters, Lyn Ackerman Polk and Janice Ackerman Williams, his grandchildren, Wendy Price, Ryan Williams, Laura Rushing, Daniel Rushing, Rebekah Ackerman, Joseph Ackerman, Rachel Ackerman, John Ackerman, James Ackerman, Ruthanne Ackerman and Rose Ackerman, seven great-grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews, and a very treasured 103 year old mother-in-law, Carline Clemmons Walters.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday at First Baptist Church of Orangeburg at 3 p.m. Visitation at Dukes Harley Funeral Home, Orangeburg todayfrom 5-7 p.m. There will be a private family burial at the Memorial Park Cemetery.