Ladson Gentry and Thelma Baird Cubbage, Jr

Ladson Gentry Cubbage, Jr. of Spartanburg, South Carolina, entered eternal rest on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at the age of 91 and was followed by his loving wife of 67 years, Thelma Rebecca Baird Cubbage on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at the age of 90 from brief illnesses at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center

Ladson was born in Sumter, South Carolina, the son of the late Ladson Gentry Cubbage, Sr and the late Willie Rebecca Winkles and grew up in the Oswego community. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Mary Cubbage Borry, and his stepmother, Margaret Mills Cubbage.

Thelma was born in New Zion, South Carolina, the daughter of the late Dannie Ruffin Baird and the late Alma Elizabeth Player. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Dora Elizabeth Baird and Olene Baird Watson.

Ladson’s life was centered around his faith, family, and football. He was a Wigwam Wisemen of American National All-American high school football player at Edmunds High School in Sumter, South Carolina. He went on to play for a year at Furman College and then four years at Elon College, under the legendary coach Sid Varney where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He was later drafted by the Green Bay Packers. He taught Social Studies, Physical Education, and Drivers Education and was an Administrator, Athletic Director, Head and Assistant Football coach for 30 years in public schools in South Carolina at McClenaghan High School (Florence, SC), Berkeley High School (Moncks Corner, SC) and Spartanburg High School (Spartanburg, SC). Cubbage was the Offensive Line Coach at Wofford College (Spartanburg, SC) from 1977 - 1988. He was a member of the South Carolina High School League for 45 years and was a member of the Sumter High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Coach Cubbage was a life-time mentor to his former players who sought his wise counsel and advice.

Thelma was a Registered Nurse and received her training from Toumey Hospital of Nursing in Sumter, SC. She worked in hospitals and doctors’ offices in Greensboro, NC, Sumter, Florence, Moncks Corner, and Spartanburg, SC, where she was a Labor and Delivery Nurse at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center for 15 years. She was a mentor and example to numerous young coaches’ wives who learned from her guidance and devotion to her husband on being a supportive coach’s wife.

Ladson and Thelma were devoted Christians, parents, grandparents and great-grandparents. He was a Sunday School teacher, and both were active members at Bethel United Methodist Church. They loved to spend time with their family and friends and were totally devoted to their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ladson enjoyed playing in Senior Golf tournaments in his retirement while Thelma was a gifted seamstress and cook her entire life.

Survivors include two daughters, Rebecca “Becky” Cubbage Dukes (Charles) of Surfside Beach, SC and Catherine “Cathy” Cubbage Brown (David) of Spartanburg, SC; four grandchildren, Samantha Brown Dosher (Josh) of Laurens, SC, Michael Tyler Brown of Wellford, SC, Adam Gentry Dukes (Natalie) of Conway, SC, and Aaron Norman Dukes of Murrells Inlet, SC; three great-grandchildren, Jackson Isaac Dosher, Genevieve Lynne Dosher, and Wells Ladson Dukes; Ladson’s brother, Leighton Mills Cubbage (Tammy) of Fountain Inn, SC; and step brother, James Arthur Hill (Betty) of Greenville, SC. Thelma is also survived by her sister, Mary Beth Baird Anderson of Manning, SC and brother, James Ivey Baird of New Zion, SC as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

The family will receive friends between 11:00 – 12:45 PM on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Floyd’s Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 East Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29307. The funeral services to honor both of their lives will start at 1:00 PM following the visitation. They will be laid to rest at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens following the funeral service.

Memorials can be made to Bethel United Methodist Church or the Shriner’s Hospital in Greenville, SC.

The arrangements are trusted to the care of Floyd’s Greenlawn Chapel.