Edwin Marion Chaplin died on March 23, 2024, surrounded by his family. Born April 4,1930 in Charleston, SC. Marion was the only child of Annie Lou Stokes Chaplin and Ernest LaFar Chaplin of Charleston.
The pride and joy of his life were his 3 daughters and 3 granddaughters. He is survived by daughters Cheryl Chaplin Baucom (Tim) of Dalton, GA and Tricia Chaplin Hirsch (Tom) of Charlotte, NC. His middle daughter, Robin Rebecca Chaplin (Billy Bullock) died August 25, 2016. He is survived by granddaughters, Bergen Baucom of Denver, CO; Ashlan Hirsch of Charlotte, NC; and Carson Chaplin of Dalton, GA; and his very special friend and companion Dottie Neese Nidiffer. Marion was actively engaged with his family and modeled unwavering faith, loving stability and determined optimism.
Marion graduated from Charleston High School in 1949 and earned his BS degree from Newberry College in 1953. He attended the University of South Carolina in pursuit of his MBA. He entered the US Army in April 1954 and served on the Commanding General's staff at Ft. Jackson for several years before being awarded an Honorable Discharge. He was a Master Mason with the Franklin Lodge in Charleston and a charter member of the Scottish Rite and Jamil Shrine Temple in Columbia.
On June 29,1955 he married the late Patricia Marion Rivers who passed away on November 19, 2009. They initially lived in Charleston, where he was office manager with Atlantic Coast Life. In 1957, they moved to Columbia where he enjoyed a long career with the Atlantic Pepsi Cola Bottling Company. He rose to Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and helped the company grow to 16 locations across the Southeast. He formally retired from Pepsi in 1980. His love of work and connecting with people led him to establish a print advertising business in the early 1980's which he operated until he approached 90!
He was a lifelong committed Christian as a faithful Methodist. He was a charter member of Trenholm Road United Methodist Church and served as Treasurer and on other leadership committees during his lifetime. His commitment to service extended to his beloved Newberry College where he served on their Board of Trustees and as President of the Indian Club. Memorials at Newberry College commemorate both Marion (class of 1953) and Robin (class of 1984).
The funeral service for Mr. Chaplin will be held at 3 o'clock Monday, March 25th at Trenholm Road United Methodist Church, 3401 Trenholm Rd, Columbia, SC 29204. The family will receive friends prior to the service in the church parlor beginning at 2 o'clock. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.
A private committal service will be held at Bethany Cemetery in Charleston.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial gifts to Newberry College, Office of Institutional Advancement, 2100 College St., Newberry, SC 29108 or Trenholm Road United Methodist Church.