George Herman McElveen, Jr.

George Herman McElveen, Jr. passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by family on June 15, 2026. Born February 16, 1938, in Florence, SC, George or Mac to those who knew him since childhood, was the son of the late Dr. George Herman McElveen, Sr. and Mrs. Elizabeth Smith McElveen of Bishopville, SC. George attended school in Bishopville and then high school at The Darlington School in Rome, Georgia. He spent many joy filled summers with his cousins at their dairy farm in Landrum, SC, where he fell in love with farming. After graduating high school in 1958, he attended Presbyterian Junior College (PJC) in Maxton, NC graduating in 1960. From there he attended Erskine College in Due West, SC. After his time at Erskine, he enlisted in the US Army where he often said his real education began. He attended basic training at Fort Sill in Oklahoma where he was fortunate to have family nearby. After basic training, he was stationed in Germany at Spangdahlem Air Base. George loved the Army and had many stories of his adventures and friendships that he enjoyed sharing over the years.

After his time in service to our country, George came to Drake, SC in 1963 to visit his good friend from PJC, Julian Drake. George worked for Drake Farms for 15 years before choosing to farm on his own. He ended his career as Farm Manager at J.P. Hodges Farms in Bennettsville, SC.

George believed in being an active part of his church, community, and county much like his father before him. He was a member and Elder at the historic Blenheim Presbyterian Church and later at First Presbyterian Church in Bennettsville. He became a member of the Board of Directors at Marlboro Water Company in the 1980s and served as President for many years until 2025, when he retired his position. George also served on the Marlboro County Transportation Committee for over a decade.

He was a founding member of the Blenheim Fire Department and served for many years. In 1987 he was recognized as Fireman of the Year.  He was also a member and past President of the Riverdale Goodwill Men’s Club in Blenheim and was instrumental in reigniting the Club after Covid.

During his time in Drake, he was introduced to Mary Edith McArthur of Laurinburg, NC whom he married in 1970. He confessed that he loved her from the moment he met her. They made their home together in Drake and were blessed with two children. First came John and then a couple of years later, George-Anne. In 1977, George & Mary built the home that they would share for the remainder of their days together.

After George retired, he and Mary enjoyed taking epic road trips in his Ford pickup truck, eventually covering all of the continental US, and many parts of Canada. In the later years, those trips were closer to home and included his children and their spouses as well as his granddaughter. Those long weekends at a bed & breakfast were some of the most joy filled days together and the memories of those trips will forever be cherished by his family. Whether they were in the mountains of North Carolina or on the coast, the time spent together, just the seven of them, was always a time of good food, laughter, and of course stories of days past.

Regardless of all his travels, George’s favorite place was at home in Drake, SC where he loved to garden, enjoyed sitting on the porch, watching sports, and spending time with his bride of 56 years.

A private burial service will be held on the morning of June 19, 2026, at the McKinnon Family Cemetery in Laurinburg, NC followed by a service in George’s memory at 11:00 AM at First Presbyterian Church in Bennettsville with a reception to follow.

George was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. & Mrs. George H. McElveen, Sr. and his brother, William S. McElveen of Bishopville, SC.

George leaves behind his wonderful wife of 56 year years, Mary, as well as two children; John Franklin McElveen (Tina) of Wendell, NC and George-Anne McElveen Blackmon (Nelson) of Darlington, SC and one grandchild, Sarah Elizabeth Louise Blackmon of Winston-Salem, NC. He impressed upon his children and granddaughter the value of integrity, a strong work ethic, stewardship of the land, a deep sense of patriotism, and a love of family. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Riverdale Goodwill Club C/O Charles Hodge 3539 Attadale Rd., Blenheim, SC 29516 or First Presbyterian Church PO Box 627, Bennettsville, SC 29512.

Online Condolences: Burroughs Funeral Home 

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