C. David Umphlett, Jr.

Moncks Corner Rep. C. David Umphlett, retired vice president for government and consumer affairs for Berkeley Electric Cooperative, died early Sunday morning at age 69. He had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Umphlett, who served in the House since 2003, will be remembered for his work preserving open space and protecting the rights of outdoorsmen.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Carolyn Mitchum Umphlett, and their three children, Karen Umphlett, Janet U. Livingston and Will Umphlett.

He attended Moncks Corner United Methodist Church.

In 2007, he said his goals for public life were simple.
"To serve my constituents to the best of my ability and be open-minded to all of the questions and concerns that they have," Umphlett said then. "I serve at the pleasure of my constituents because all legislative seats belong to the people, not to one individual.
"I came to Columbia to be a voice for the people of Berkeley County who elected me and I listen to my constituents. My greatest satisfaction is in knowing that I have heard from enough people back home to make informed and valid decisions on votes."

Umphlett is a graduate of Berkeley High School and attended Clemson University. He also served in the Army from 1961 to 1964.

He retired in 2004 as vice president for government and consumer affairs at Berkeley Electric Co-op.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. He worked to pass legislation establishing an alligator hunting season in South Carolina.
Umphlett served on the Berkeley Soil and Water Conservation District for 14 years, the South Carolina Land Resources Commission for three years, among other public service positions.

He was a member of American Legion Post 126.

Umphlett was a longtime member of the House Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee. He was in the running for committee chairman, but dropped out of the race when he gained a seat on the powerful Ways and Means Committee this year.

He represented District 100, which includes a sprawling section of Berkeley County, taking in Cordesville, Pimlico, Macedonia, Moncks Corner and Whitesville.

His goals for public service were to find ways to lower taxes, improve the South Carolina roads and highways and help clean up the environment.

Umphlett was the son of Virginia S. and the late Clyde D. Umphlett, Sr.

His funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 31, 2011, at 2:00 PM at Moncks Corner United Methodist Church directed by Russell Funeral Chapel. Friends may call at Moncks Corner United Methodist Church this Monday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.