Daniel Walker "Danny" Chamblee

Daniel "Danny" Walker Chamblee, 72, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife and three daughters.
Danny was born on September 15, 1953, in Atlanta, Georgia to his adoring parents Martha and Ralph Chamblee. He was the eldest of 4, followed by his sister Linda, and brothers Brian and Andy. He spent his childhood in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and Greenville, South Carolina, graduating from Wade Hampton High School in 1971 and Clemson University in 1975.
Danny was a talented commercial photographer for over 15 years in the Myrtle Beach area before answering God's call to become a minister in 2001. Danny graduated from Duke University with his Master of Divinity in 2006 where he dedicated 22 years to the United Methodist Church before retiring in 2023. Danny was known by his congregations as a devoted disciple of God's word, and for his gentle and relaxed demeanor. You could always find Danny in service to others, from his years with the Salkehatchie Summer Service, missions trips to Ecuador and Ghana, natural disaster relief work throughout the country, and local church projects.
Above all else, Danny was a dedicated husband and father, taking great pride in his love for his girls, as he said he was always meant to be a girl dad. He married his wife Jeanie in the summer of 1983 and celebrated 42 years of marriage together. In 1989 Jeanie and Danny adopted their two twin daughters, Lillie and Betsy, and 10 months later welcomed their youngest daughter, Helen. As a dad, Danny was constantly creating special memories and adventures with his girls, making sure to never miss a field trip, dance recital, soccer game, or gymnastics meet. He was loving, kind, and funny, not just to his family, but to all youth he mentored. In 2015, Jeanie and
Danny welcomed their first granddaughter, Holland Kinsleigh, and in 2021 their second granddaughter, Teagan Avery. Just as he was a loving father, he was equally excited and honored to be Granddaddy.
In all situations, Danny was authentically himself, bringing his trademarked humor, kindness, and warmth to all he interacted with. Little brought Danny more joy and laughter than a good-humored prank or funny joke. He was also an avid storyteller, embellishing each story with color and personality. Danny loved music from young age, giving impromptu concerts in his Alpha Tau Omega fraternity house with his best friend Dale, singing in the church choir, men's quartet, and Vocal Edition, and strumming his guitar any chance he got. He will be remembered for his larger-than-life nature and his ability to never meet a stranger.
Danny is survived by his mother Martha of Greenville, SC, his wife Jeanie of Myrtle Beach, SC, his daughters, Lillie of Charleston, SC, Betsy (Adam) and their children Holland and Teagan of Whitehall, PA, and Helen (grandpuppies Obi and Dozer) of Charlotte, NC, his siblings Linda(Buster) of Cayce, SC, Brian of Greenville, SC, and Andy (Jenine) of Springfield, VA, and his large extended family. He was preceded in death by his father, Ralph Chamblee Jr., his grandparents Dora and Reverend Henry Walker, his step-grandmother Carol Walker, and Lillian and Ralph Chamblee, Sr.
Danny's celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 2:00pm at First Methodist Church of Myrtle Beach (901 N. Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC, 29577) and will be livestreamed on the First Methodist Church's Facebook page. Following the service will be a casual visitation in the church's fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to First Methodist Church of Myrtle Beach in his memory.
"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I - I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference." -Robert Frost