Christopher J. Yahnis

FLORENCE | Christopher James Yahnis, husband of Vicky Copses Yahnis, 81, of Florence, died Wednesday, June 4, 2008 at his residence.

He was born March 1, 1927 in Brookline, Massachusetts, to the late James Christopher and Helen Yahnis.

Mr. Yahnis was one of the Pee Dee's most successful businessmen, having founded several companies and been an active real estate investor and a mentor to many small business entrepreneurs. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Massachusetts in 1950, where he lettered in track, Yahnis entered the U.S. Army where he served as a special agent in counter intelligence, stationed at Fort Jackson in Columbia from 1951 to 1953.

After his military service, Yahnis was director of security education at the E.I. DuPont Savannah River Plant for three years. He then became regional sales manager of National Brewing Company and later executive vice president/general sales manager of Shafer Distributing Company. In 1966, Yahnis and the late Dr. Ira Barth founded Y & B Distributing. Dr. Barth's interest was subsequently purchased and the company became Chris J. Yahnis Corporation. Yahnis also purchased Stevens Corporation of Myrtle Beach in 1986, which became Chris J. Yahnis Coastal Corporation. Yahnis purchased Shafer Distributing in August of 2006. In December of 1994, Yahnis turned operations of the companies over to his sons, Byron and Jimmy, but continued to serve as an officer until his death. The business now employs over 250 people. Mr. Yahnis was a past president of the South Carolina Beer Association.

Mr. Yahnis founded Home Health, Inc. in 1992 to serve Florence, Darlington, Marion, Dillon, and Lee Counties. In 1993, he added a home health operation in York County. The combined agencies grew to more than 300 employees providing more then 160,000 visits per year. The Pee Dee agency was sold to McLeod Regional Medical Center in 1995.

Chris was active in many civic endeavors in the Florence area. He was a past member of the South Carolina Mental Health Board, division chairman of Florence County United Way, chairman of the United Negro College Fund Telethon, board member of the Florence Boys' Club, member of Elks and American Legion, and served on the board of directors of Hospice. He has been a member of the Greek Orthodox Church since 1954, where he served as past president of the Greek Orthodox Parish Council. Yahnis was a strong supporter of Francis Marion University and recognized its role in the economic development of the Pee Dee. Because of his support and generosity, the Yahnis Family Hospitality Suite is a part of the Alumni House. He received an honorary degree from Francis Marion University and was also a recipient of the State's highest civilian honor, the Order of the Palmetto.

Mr. Yahnis was first and foremost a family man. He loved his wife and his three sons with all his heart and he took great pride and joy in his three grandchildren. He was devoted to his wide and diverse circle of friends, and they were likewise devoted to him. He lived his life guided by principles of faith, family, and a heartfelt desire to help others, particularly those less fortunate than himself.

Chris loved the beer business, horse racing, and the Boston Red Sox. He brought great enthusiasm to everything he did, and his enthusiasm was contagious. He will be remembered for loving life, people, and the State of South Carolina.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are sons, Byron (Gay) C. Yahnis of Florence, Jimmy (Patti) Yahnis of Murrells Inlet, and Peter Yahnis of Myrtle Beach; and grandchildren, Christopher, Charles and Nicole Yahnis.

Funeral services for Mr. Yahnis will be held 2 p.m. Monday, June 9, 2008 in the Greek Orthodox Church of the Transfiguration of Our Savior, conducted by Father Gregory Waynick and Father George Tsahakis. Interment will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery. A Trisigon Service will be held 6 p.m. Sunday, June 8, 2008 in the Church, followed by a visitation.

A guest register is available at www.cainfuneralhome.com and at MyrtleBeachOnline.com.

Memorials may be made to McLeod Hospice, P.O. Box 100501, Florence, SC 29502 or to the Greek Orthodox Church, 2990 S. Cashua Dr., Florence, SC 29501.

Cain Funeral Home of Florence is assisting the family.