Dwaine Malphrus

Mr. Dwaine Malphrus, 85, of Ridgeland, passed away on February 4, 2024, surrounded by his family.  He was born on June 24, 1938, in Ridgeland, SC to the late Mr. and Mrs. Orland J. “O.J.” and Hannah Lee Boyles Malphrus.

Dwaine graduated from Ridgeland High School.  After graduation he attended the University of SC in Columbia, where he became a lifelong Carolina Gamecock fan. After finishing his studies at USC, he and Becky were married. Shortly thereafter he enlisted in the US Army and served in South Korea. Upon his return from serving in the Army, he began his career in construction as an owner of Malphrus Construction Co., Inc. until his retirement in 1993. During his career, he, and his brothers along with many dedicated employees constructed roads, golf courses, lagoons and lakes in the South Carolina Lowcountry and Southeast Georgia. He also served on the board of Directors of Southern Bank & Trust Co. for many years, which he enjoyed very much.

When Dwaine was twelve years old the Holy Spirit led him to start tithing and reading his Bible daily. Over the years Dwaine completely read the Holy Bible nine times. In accordance with his love for the Bible he was a member of Gideon International. He served as a Deacon, a Sunday School teacher, a Royal Ambassador Leader, and as a Trustee of Charleston Southern University. In his leisure time, Mr. Malphrus enjoyed walking on Cherry Grove Plantation where he always had a nice vegetable garden. He also enjoyed hunting deer, ducks, and doves. His philosophy was, “If you love Cherry Grove, Cherry Grove will love you back.”

Dwaine and Becky enjoyed working together, traveling, and spending time with their family. They founded the Orland J. & Hannah Lee Malphrus Scholarship at Charleston Southern University and founded the Leland S. & Willard Price McCormack Scholarship Fund at North Greenville University. They traveled all over the world in one trip and visited all seven continents on additional trips. When they were in India, they rode elephants, and in Egypt rode camels.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 62 years, Becky Malphrus, son, Gerald Malphrus (Tanya), daughters: Von Mingledorff (Jeff), Britt Fulghum (Andrew), grandchildren: Tiffany Wall (Nick), Lindsey Haithcock, Jeffery Mingledorff (Brooke), Hannah Mills (Wesley), Zach Malphrus, Sara, Taylor, Chase Kunich, great grandchildren: Brayden Adame, Marleigh Haithcock, Reagan Mingledorff, Nicholas Wall, Karter Haithcock, Addie Wall, Logan Mingledorff, Landon Mingledorff, Barrett Mills, sisters: Ann Long, Jeanette Crosby, sister-in-law, Effie Malphrus, and brother-in-law, Gene Cleland. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Larry Malphrus, Dale Malphrus, and two sisters, Glondell Walters, and Varner Cleland.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at Ridgeland Baptist Church, 1448 Grays Highway, Ridgeland SC 29936. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 am until the hour of service at the church.  Burial will follow in Ridgeland Cemetery, Ridgeland SC.

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