Donnie Malphrus

Donnie Berry Malphrus passed away at his beloved Lemon Island home on the Chechessee River on Friday, March 7, 2025, due to complications from diabetes and other chronic health conditions. He was 86.

Born on January 29, 1939, in Ridgeland, South Carolina, he was preceded in death by his parents Herman Malphrus and Margaret (Maggie) Strong Malphrus. He was one of 13 children, all of whom except one predeceased him in the following order: Francis Malphrus McManus, Devant Malphrus, Helen Sandretto, Betty Taylor, Ralph Malphrus, Katie Sue Arnett, Shirley Bowers, Bobby Malphrus, Margie Hatchell, Linda Sims, and Herman Malphrus. He is survived by his sister, Sandra Breland.

Donnie was extremely devoted to and is survived by his wife Judy Horton Malphrus. They were married for 65 years and he always said she was the love of his life. He is also survived by his three children, his daughter Kim (Kimberly) and twin sons Barry and Garry. He was immensely proud of them and their many accomplishments.

Born into abject poverty during the Great Depression, Donnie dropped out of school at a very early age. Through grit and determination, he became a successful, self-made businessman.

Donnie had a persuasive, assertive personality and was a natural born salesman. He started selling boiled peanuts as a child and later sold cars, insurance, and even chinchillas. He co-owned and operated seven fireworks and convenience stores in the Jasper County area, starting in the 1970s. But the job that gave him the greatest sense of accomplishment was developing land. He was responsible for numerous residential developments in Jasper County and the Charleston areas, including Bass Lake, Tikton Hall, Honey Hill, Cypress Point, Felders Creek, and Sophia’s Landing.

He was always generous to his wife and determined to ensure that his children had everything they needed until they were grown. He also was committed to helping his mother, his brothers and sisters, other relatives, and was dedicated to those he treated as family, including Lucille Pinckney, who has been with Judy and him for over five decades.

He was the patriarch of his extended family. He made sure that his brothers and sisters and their families had a place to gather each year at Thanksgiving, a Malphrus family tradition that started close to 70 years ago. He wanted all who attended to know that family, whether blood or otherwise, should always be treasured and never taken for granted.

Donnie was tough and demanding on the outside, especially in his business dealings, but he was also kind and compassionate. He assisted those in need throughout his life, even early on when he could not afford to do so. He never sought recognition for his generosity and helped many people he did not know or tell anyone about. He always believed the Biblical admonition that if you give without boasting you will get more back in return.

He never forgot that he started with nothing and he wanted everyone to have the chance to succeed, preferably in their own business. He provided astute advice and counsel to innumerable people throughout his long life. He firmly believed that those who were willing to take risk had the greatest chance of success.

Whether hunting in Ridgeland or Argentina, boating in the Lowcountry or in the Bahamas, he loved the outdoors. Also, he participated in many worthwhile civic and philanthropic causes, including serving as a member of the South Carolina Pyrotechnics Safety Board, the Board of the Palmetto Electric Trust, and President of the Jasper County Chamber of Commerce. He was key to the creation of the successful Royal Live Oaks Charter School of Hardeeville.

Donnie served two years in the United States Marine Corps in the late 1950s. He was a member of various Baptist churches in the area during his life, most recently at Okatie Baptist Church where he was the primary donor for the Fellowship Hall.

A funeral service will be held at Ridgeland Baptist Church, 1448 Grays Highway, Ridgeland, South Carolina, on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at Noon. Visitation will be held at the church prior to the service starting at 11:00 am. The burial will follow at the Gillisonville Baptist Church Cemetery, 10168 Grays Highway, Ridgeland, South Carolina. A celebration of life will be held at Operation Patriot FOB, formerly known as Malphrus Oaks Plantation, 328 Lakeview Drive, Ridgeland, South Carolina, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 950 West Faris Road, Greenville, SC, 29605, phone 864-255-8765, where his son Barry received extended care for cerebral palsy. To donate online please visit www.shrinersgreenville.org.