Luke "LC" Chavis, Jr.

Luke Chavis, Jr., affectionately known as “LC”, was born on August 21, 1935 to the late Luke Chavis, Sr. and Rosa Garnett Chavis, in Moncks Corner, South Carolina. He departed this earthly life on March 3, 2023, surrounded by loved ones.  Luke spent his early years learning the importance of hard work and perseverance. Despite the many challenges he would face growing up in the segregated South, he was determined to become a success. After attending Berkeley Training School in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, he made his way to New York City in search of opportunity.

He worked for the Seagrave Corporation for many years before launching his own business. The hard work and determination instilled in him as a child helped drive his success as an entrepreneur. From humble beginnings, and despite tremendous obstacles, he developed a platform from which he was able to provide for his family and cement his legacy.

Luke opened the ABC Liquor Store in 1976. He dedicated himself to growing the business, moving it once and significantly expanding it in the late 1990s. His ambitions extended beyond the store and led him to purchase a working farm in Bamberg, SC, where he raised hogs and cattle for many years.

His businesses thrived on the back of his strong business acumen, but Luke also found joy in working with his hands. He believed that a job was best done by one’s own hand and took great pride in his abilities as a craftsman, completing major home renovations and the expansion of his store. Though he spent much of his life working and building, he did it all for the love of his family.

Shortly after moving to New York City, he met and married the late Thelma Ann Miller. From that union, three children were born. Following the passing of Thelma Ann, Luke raised his three children alone for some time before finding love again.

With the help of his sister Lucinda (Dora Lee), he met and married Dolores Barrow in 1971.  Together, they continued to raise the family. With this union, two more children were added to the clan, creating a family of seven. Having a large family was something Luke was very familiar with, having grown up with 10 siblings.

Luke knew that it was God’s grace and mercy that sustained him. As a child, he was raised in Rock Hill Baptist Church. When he came to New York, he joined The Holy Trinity Baptist Church under the late Rev. O.B.J. Burson, where he remained a member until his death.

Luke was preceded in death by his parents, Luke and Rosa Chavis; his three children, Warren Smalls, Mark Chavis and Darlene Chavis; and his two siblings, Elijah Chavis and Elaine Smalls.

He leaves to mourn: his wife, Dolores Barrow Chavis; his children, Linda Chavis King, Christopher Chavis (Shanell), Nicole Chavis-Jackson (Howard) and Glady Preston (Alex); grandchildren, Tyesha Johnson, LeAnne Smalls, Alex King, Keith Roberson, Erin Chavis, Julian King, Christopher Chavis, Jr., Chase Jackson and Cooper Jackson; siblings, Archie Chavis (Annabel), Lucinda Simmons, James Chavis, Betty Jones (Herb), Doris Reid, Willie Chavis (Minnie), Edward Chavis (Cheryl) and Jimmy Chavis (Mary); a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

The Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at Rock Hill Baptist Church, 975 South Live Oak Drive, Moncks Corner, SC. Viewing will be on Friday, March 10, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will take place in Rock Hill Baptist Church Cemetery, Moncks Corner, SC.