Ivy Gene Malphrus

Ivy Gene Malphrus, known to all as Gene, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2023 at a local hospice house, with his wife, daughter, and beloved dogs at his side. He was 79 years old. Gene was born on March 30, 1943 in Ridgeland, South Carolina to Daniel Wesley and Pauline Malphrus, who died at his birth. He was adopted by his beloved Daddy and Momma, George and Mildred Malphrus, and raised in Summerville. He loved to tell people he grew up on Dorchester Road when it was dirt, one way, all the way to Charleston. He graduated from Summerville High School in 1963. Gene worked for Lockheed Aircraft for 10 years after high school, then started his own business as the first professional wallpaper hanger in Summerville. He later managed maintenance for several nursing homes, and retired as maintenance director for the Dorchester County Disabilities Board in 2019. Gene was active in sports throughout his life. He was a kicker for the Summerville High School Green Wave football team under coach John McKissick. He played softball until the age of 50 in adult leagues around the Lowcountry. He also enjoyed a good round of golf. Animals were a lifelong passion of Gene’s. He grew up hunting and fishing. He loved dogs, cats, birds, and all types of wildlife, and was a fervent protector of all animals. What people loved most about Gene was the way he made them laugh. He was always teasing, joking, and goofing around, much to the delight of those around him. Gene is survived by his wife of 10 years, Sue Malphrus of Summerville; siblings Franklin “Red” Malphrus (Helen), Donald Malphrus (Gail), and Patti Morgan (Jerry), all of Ridgeland, SC, Evelyn Olsen (Gaylon) of Little Falls, MN, and Kay Maynard (Skipper) of Anderson, SC; daughter Jennifer Bowzard of Ridgeville; grandsons Brent Bowzard of Charleston and Alex Bowzard of Honolulu, HI; stepdaughter Laura Dixon of Charleston; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. He was predeceased by his parents as well as siblings Paul “Max” Malphrus (Shirley) and Christine Gunter (Harry). Memorials may be made to Dorchester Paws, 136 Four Paws Lane, Summerville, SC 29483. Visitation will be held at James A. Dyal Funeral Home in Summerville on Monday, March 6 from 5-7 PM. His funeral service will be held at Bethany United Methodist Church in Summerville on Tuesday, March 7 at 2 PM. Inurnment will take place at Great Swamp Baptist Church, Ridgeland, SC at a later date.

Ivy Gene Malphrus

March 30, 1943 - February 28, 2023