Jesse Ellison Outen, Jr.

Cheraw, SC

Jesse Ellison Outen, Jr. passed away on February 22, 2025. He was born in Cheraw, South Carolina on December 16, 1923, to Jesse Ellison Outen, Sr. and Theo Horton Outen.

Ellison worked for Becker Minerals in Quality Control and retired after forty-three years of employment. He was a lifetime member of the First United Methodist Church in Cheraw where he was active in the Methodist Men’s Bible Class, the Methodist Men’s Club, and the Joy Club. He was a proud and faithful church member. Memberships in the community included the American Legion, the VFW, the American EX POW, Amvets, the Disabled American Veterans, the Cheraw Masonic Lodge, and BWZ.

Ellison was a veteran of World War II. At the age of 18, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he became a member of the 45th Division. As an Infantryman, he served in the European Theatre where he was a POW for fourteen and one- half months. After being held captive in four different prison camps, he was liberated on April 30, 1945. He was the recipient of several medals, one of which was the Bronze Star. In 2015, he received a special Ex POW medal from the state of S.C. Being a part of “The Greatest Generation”, he will always be remembered for his patriotism, bravery, and the sacrifices he made for his country.

Ellison had many hobbies, some of which were camping, hunting, and fishing. After he retired, he developed a skill for painting and enjoyed capturing the beauty of the earth on canvas. He also had a knack for cooking and was known for his tasty chicken purloo. Ellison enjoyed being around people and making them laugh. His wit and compassion for others will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Flo Spease Outen, as well as his parents and sisters, Ann Marie Thompson, Virginia Miller, and Mary Lee Morrison. 

Surviving is a son, Jimmy (Jenny) Outen of Cheraw, S.C., a daughter, Ginger (Bill) Caughman of Daniel Island, S.C.; four grandchildren, Mikki MacCheyne, Lauren Outen, Cynthia (Brady) Vannoy, Will (Erin) Caughman; and six great grandchildren, Catherine and Julia MacCheyne, Rob and Belle Vannoy, and Mark and Lizzie Caughman; and several nieces and nephews and a special cousin, Billy Boan.

A celebration of life will be at the First United Methodist Church in Cheraw on Wednesday, February 26 at 2:00 pm with visitation in the church parlor from 1:00 to 2:00 prior to the service. Interment will be at Chatham Hill Cemetery immediately following the funeral service.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Veteran Village, Patriot’s Hospice, and all the caregivers over the past seven years. Their loving care and kindness will always be remembered.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to the First United Methodist Church or The Methodist Men’s Bible Class in Cheraw, S.C. 117 Third Street, Cheraw, SC 29520.

Kiser Funeral Home has been entrusted to serve the Outen family in their time of grief.

Online condolences may be made at www.kiserfuneralhome.com.