Alec H. Chaplin

July 27, 1939 - October 9, 2024

Alec H. Chaplin passed away peacefully on October 9, 2024, at Still Hopes Retirement Community.

Born Alexander Harold Chaplin on July 27, 1939, in Neeses, S.C., he was the son of Virginia Livingston Chaplin and Adam Harold Chaplin.

Alec attended Orangeburg County Schools and had especially fond memories of his high school football days. He graduated from Wofford College with a BA in Economics and then proudly served his country in the Army.

Growing up on the family farm, Alec was instilled with a strong work ethic. His hard work and determination fueled his real estate development career that included ventures, from power plants in New York to flea markets and shopping centers in the Southeast. Alec loved every aspect of putting a deal together and seeing it through. He often said, "You got to bow your neck and get it in the end zone." He founded The Chaplin Company over 55 years ago and was proud to work alongside his son for the past 25.

"Big Alec," as he was affectionately known, was a father figure to many. Always mindful of those who guided him through his life, Alec sought opportunities to help others. Driven by his big heart, he gave generously to his fellow man, churches, schools, and municipalities.

An avid outdoorsman, Alec loved being in the woods. His hunting and fishing buddies were among his closest friends. He loved his farm, his hunting dogs, and he was always in pursuit of another covey of quail.

He was a member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church where he served as a Deacon and Elder. He was a charter member of the Columbia East Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow.

Alec cherished his friends and family and always took the time to let them know how much he loved them. He is survived by his wife, Judy Austin Chaplin. His four children, Beth Chaplin, Claire C. Mahoney (Kevin) of Richmond, VT, Alec H. Chaplin, Jr. (Rachel), Virginia C. Maybank (Peter) of Charleston, and their mother, Mary Boyd Brown. His five grandchildren, Annika and Eliza Mahoney and May, Luke, and Alec Chaplin. His sister, Anna C. Stewart of Orangeburg and his brother-in-law, Leon C. Hall of Rock Hill. Additionally, he is survived by his devoted nephews and nieces, his God sons, and Judy's children and grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Mary Ida C. Hall and his brother Wade L. Chaplin.

The family is grateful for his devoted friends and his wonderful caregivers.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, October 14 at 3 p.m. at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 3200 Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC 29204. The family will receive friends in Thompson Hall immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, he would have preferred donations to the Chaplin Endowment at Eastminster to assist at-risk children, youth, and young adults.

Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family. Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Times and Democrat on Oct. 12, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Alec Chaplin

Sponsored by Dunbar Funeral Home - Devine.

8 Entries

Oliver Wood

October 15, 2024

Alec was an outstanding citizen in many ways. He was a strong supporter of the USC NROTC Alumni Assoc. Alec was named Admiral of the Year in 2012 by the Alumni Assoc. Alec also was most knowledgeable about real estate. He had a great sense of humor and was a friend to all. Many of us will miss his friendship and visits. Alec, you had a great life! Rest in peace.
Your friend,
Oliver Wood

dr jim johnson

October 14, 2024

Rose Ann and I were so sorry to hear about Alec's death. His son was a good friend of our son Jay for many years. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Jim Johnson

Bobby Temple

October 14, 2024

I loved Alec. He was a good friend and helped me a lot when I first became a real estate developer with good advice on what to do, and not.

We were together once in 1989 at the Isle of Palms on the third floor, looking out at a hotel worker slave away in the hot sun; interest rates were 20% and times were bad. Alec said, "Bobby you see that guy down there, he used to be a developer."

Dorothy ( Dot) Ryall

October 14, 2024

Jodi and I send our condolences to the family. We are sorry for your loss. Love especially to Ginger and children and to Anna and her sons.

Barbara Griffith Antley

October 13, 2024

I remember all of the family gatherings with the Chaplain family.
These memories will always be cherished by me.
I remember him as a loyal friend to everyone.
Sorry for your loss. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.
Barbara Griffith Antley

sam derrick

October 12, 2024

Alec was a good man, i was one of his starters at BARNYARD FLEA MKT, he was always fair in our dealings,

Gary Middlebrooks

October 12, 2024

To Judy and family,
I was sure sad to hear the news of Alec's passing. What a great friend he was to so so many people. Alec lived by the motto that you are not going to be remembered for what you said you were going to do. You will be remembered for what you did do while here on earth. Alec do so much for so many people. I know when he slipped the surly bonds of earth he came face to face with God. Rest in peace my friend. Job well done here on earth. Judy I will keep you and family in my prayers.

George Watt

October 12, 2024

To Mary Boyd, Beth, Claire,
Little Alec and Virginia,
I am truly saddened to hear of Big Alec´s passing. In 1976 the Watt family moved to Columbia and our first home was on Kilbourne Road. One of the best things about our first home here was being backdoor neighbors to the Chaplin family. It was a joy watching our then young families grow up over the next five or so years. We will cherish those memories and are grateful for the times we spent together. We send our love to each of you and your families. May Big Alec Rest in Peace and my light perpetual shine upon him.
The Watt Family

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