Oswell Vincent Malphrus

Oswell Vincent Malphrus, 92, of Ridgeland entered into his Heavenly home on February 22, 2024.

Ossie was born in Ridgeland, South Carolina on January 24, 1932 to the late Robert and Annie Malphrus. He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Retha and sister, Libby Mears.

He retired with twenty two years of service from the South Carolina Army National Guard. In his younger days, Ossie hauled and showed cattle along the eastern seaboard, later working as farm assistant to Mr. Robert Graves in Bluffton, South Carolina. He owned and operated a Western Auto on Hilton Head Island for twelve years, then worked alongside his brother Bobby (whom he lovingly called “Bubba”), painting and performing miscellaneous jobs until retiring. He served as a deacon at Bluffton First Baptist Church and Ridgeland Baptist Church.

Ossie loved his wife and family dearly. He was an avid fisherman who thoroughly enjoyed spending time on the river with his family fishing, shrimping, crabbing and picking oysters. He spent many hours working in the garden and was always ready to jump on a tractor and work around the farm. He and Retha traveled often, and loved picking apples in the mountains and looked forward to their annual family fishing trips to Astor, Florida. He enjoyed drinking coffee and talking with the guys at Coolers store in the mornings, and always had a kind word for everyone he encountered. He was a selfless, gentle-spirited, Godly man who could be found sitting on the bed reading his bible every night.

Ossie is survived by his four children; Vince (Sarah), Georgia (Luke), Craig (Faye), Todd (Marian), and brother; Bobby (Jeanine), six grandchildren; Heather (Shaun), Bobbie, Allen (Amanda), Lyndsay, Meghan (Eddie) and Andrew; six great grandchildren, numerous step grandchildren, nieces and nephews.    

We are thankful to have shared a lifetime with him and his tenderhearted love and support. We would like to thank his friends for their calls and visits, and the Hospice team for their care and support.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Ridgeland Baptist Church, Amedysis Hospice or Crescent Hospice in memory of Ozzie Malphrus.

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