Archie Bergen Chalfant
We are saddened to share the passing of our father, Archie Bergen Chalfant, 91, on Wednesday, October 18, 2023.
Formerly of Washington, and Murrells Inlet, S.C., Archie resided in Youngsville, at the time of his death. Born on June 3, 1932, in Eighty Four, he graduated from Trinity High School in 1950.
Archie is predeceased by his wife, Ethel McNary Chalfant; his father and mother, Cecil Edward and Bessie Leyda Chalfant of Eighty Four; one brother, William Edward Chalfant (Marian) of Dayton, Ohio; and two sisters, Leona Ann Chalfant and Sara Marie Wilson (Lewis Gilmore) of New Wilmington.
He is survived by daughters: Sheree Troy (Tom) of Valdese, N.C. and Darla Herrnberger (Philip) of Irvine; grandchildren: Grant Herrnberger of Proctor, W.Va. and Abigail Herrnberger Novotny (Mike) of Slippery Rock; and four great – grandchildren: Clayton, Raigyn, Bena and Everett; and many nieces and nephews.
After high school, Archie’s first job was in the produce section at Acme where his interest in fruits and vegetables blossomed.
He served in the United States Navy from 1955-1957 on the USS Polaris and the USS Serius-AF60 which supplied other ships in the Far East, including Japan and Hong Kong. He worked telecommunications onboard. This experience later helped him as a lineman for Bell Telephone of Pennsylvania, where he remained for 31 years, retiring in 1984 at the age of 52. Soon afterward, he and Ethel moved to Murrell’s Inlet, S.C.
Aside from extensive traveling, Archie and Ethel were square dancers, most notably with The Grand Strand Strutters of Myrtle Beach. They enjoyed card games with friends, especially Euchre. Both volunteered at Habitat for Humanity, Help 4 Kids and Backpack Buddies of Horry County, S.C.
Archie was passionate about fishing, shrimping and oyster digging. He was also active into his 80s with the Myrtle Beach Senior Softball team and Senior Olympics. He will be remembered for his green thumb and beautiful Hydrangeas and his knack for bringing new life to decrepit bicycles he found at recycling centers. We soon dubbed him “The Reclamator.”
Archie was a former member of First United Presbyterian Church of Washington where he was a deacon, an elder and taught Sunday School. They later joined the First Presbyterian Church of Myrtle Beach, S.C.
As per his wishes, there is no public viewing. Archie will be interred with Ethel at Pigeon Creek Presbyterian Church in Eighty Four, at a later date when a Celebration of Life will be scheduled.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Habitat for Humanity.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.petersonblickfuneralhome.com.