Frankie Theodore Malphrus

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Franklin “Frankie” Theodore Malphrus. Frankie Malphrus was born December 9, 1933, in Ridgeland, South Carolina to Albert Preacher and Nora Elizabeth Malphrus. He is predeceased in death by his parents; a brother, Albert W. Malphrus and his sister Elizabeth J. (Malphrus) Nettles.

Frankie was a graduate of Ridgeland High School where he met his wife, Margie L. Malphrus and they were married at Robertville Baptist Church on July 29, 1956. Together they had two children, Michelle M. Waitt (Richard) and Steven C. Malphrus. During his 87 years on this earth, he was always faithful to God, his family, and his Country.

He was employed by the South Carolina Department of Transportation in 1961. He worked many years as a Crew Supervisor for the Highway Department and took great pride in keeping the roads safe and maintained. He often found himself leaving home in the middle of the night to “unstick” the old swing bridge going to Hilton Head Island, SC back when it was only a rural two-lane highway.

He left the Highway Department in 1975 to help his brother-in-law manage Tuten’s Red and White in Ridgeland, South Carolina. He not only was a supervisor to many young people who worked for him, but also a mentor and friend. He loved greeting customers and making people feel important and valued.

He later returned to the Department of Transportation and retired in December 1993. After his retirement, Frankie began working with the Council on Aging to deliver meals and drive senior adults to the Senior Center and special trips. He was also honored to serve as a board member of the Palmetto Electric Trust from 2005 to 2008.

He had a lifelong passion for gardening and growing vegetables which his family enjoyed. His boiled peanuts were a special treat! He enjoyed fishing, building things with his hands, and providing for his family. He had a great fondness for secretly passing $20 bills to his children and grandchildren.

Frankie was a life-long member of Great Swamp Baptist Church where he held many positions such as a deacon, RA Leader, music leader and choir member.

In 1950 Frankie became a “citizen soldier” by joining the Army National Guard of the United States and South Carolina. He enlisted as a private and retired as a Sergeant First Class. While serving in the Guard, he was Tank Commander in the Armored Cavalry, Combat Construction Specialist in the Combat Engineers and was a recruiter. He was very proud of his service to the Military and the United States of America. He passed along his love of God and patriotism to his children and grandchildren.

Frankie never met a stranger, and many were the recipient of his special hugs and enduring smile. He always made people feel loved and accepted, no matter the circumstance. He guided his family through many of life’s storms with his steady, calm demeanor.

Left behind to cherish his memory are his wife, Margie L. Malphrus; a daughter, Michelle M. Waitt (Richard) of Ridgeland SC and a son, Steven C. Malphrus also of Ridgeland; Grandchildren Jonathan D. Waitt (Kayla), Stephanie M. Vincent (Paul), Christopher M. Waitt (Ashton), and Caleb C. Malphrus; and three great-grandchildren, Asher and Arden Vincent and Greyson Sawyer Malphrus.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 PM Friday, September 10, 2021, at Vaigneur Funeral Home, 6802 Tillman Road Ridgeland, SC. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 11, 2021, at 2:00 PM, at Robertville Baptist Church Cemetery, 26 Robertville Drive, Robertville SC.

Due to the current increase in COVID activity, the family respectfully asks that you wear a face covering and maintain social distancing during the visitation and service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Robertville Baptist Church Cemetery Fund P.O. Box 324 Estill SC 29918 or Great Swamp Baptist Church Operation Christmas Child P.O. Box 446 Ridgeland SC 29936.

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