Eugene "Gene" Walter McLain

Patrick, SC

Mr. Eugene "Gene" Walter McLain, aged 87, passed away peacefully on the evening of July 2, 2026, at the Rehab Center of Cheraw. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at the Chapel of Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home, officiated by Frankie Joyner and Brent Taylor. Interment with military honors will follow in Patrick Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Monday, July 6, 2026, at the funeral home, and are welcome at Mr. McLain’s home on Saturday, July 4, 2026.

Born on July 7, 1938, in Patrick, SC, Gene was the son of the late Walter Kelly McLain and Geneva Cassidy McLain. A Chesterfield High School graduate, he joined the family business during his school years. Gene served commendably in the U.S. Air Force, the Air National Guard of SC, and the SC Air National Guard Reserves as an airplane mechanic, earning the SC Exceptional Service Medal. Upon his father's retirement, he and his brother Glenn co-owned Patrick Auto Parts. Dedicated to the Town of Patrick, Gene was a member and former chief of the Patrick Volunteer Fire Department, served on the Patrick Town Council, and was involved with the planning and zoning commission. He was also a member of the American Legion. An avid aviator, Gene was proud of his pilot’s license and enjoyed flying his plane. He enjoyed traveling abroad and treasured his time with family and friends.

In addition to his parents, Mr. McLain was also preceded in death by his wife, Emma Jean Polk McLain; son, Ronnie McLain; brother, Glenn Michael McLain; and infant granddaughter, Jacquelyn McLain.

Survivors include his son, Todd (Mona) McLain of Patrick, SC; daughter-in-law, Jan McLain of Cheraw, SC; grandchildren, Tyler (Allison) McLain of Castle Hayne, NC, Madison McLain of New York, Sarah McLain (Chandler) Huggins, and Lauren McLain (Brock Ridgeway) both of Myrtle Beach, SC; sister, Gladys McLain Parker of Patrick, SC; brother, Wilson McLain of Patrick, SC; and granddaughter of the heart, Livy Newsome.

In memory of Mr. McLain, memorials may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home of Chesterfield, SC is serving the McLain family.

For more information, please visit www.mrcfuneralhome.com.