Wade O. Camlin

Wade Overton “Wade O” Camlin, IV, husband of Theresa Hanniford Camlin, passed peacefully from this life on Thursday, February 11th, 2021 at his home in Moncks Corner. He had courageously battled renal cell carcinoma for 23 years.

He was born in Georgetown, SC on November 30, 1958 to Carolyn Gaddy Camlin and the late Wade O. Camlin, III.

Wade O was an active communicant at Trinity Church Pinopolis, SC. He served as a Lay Eucharistic Minister, Junior Warden and on cook team Francis. He also played in the praise and worship band and loved renewal hymns. He and his wife attended Cursillo at Camp St. Christopher which was a life changing event for them both.

He had a happy childhood spent playing football and basketball and building mile long Hot Wheels racetracks with his friends in Georgetown. Summers were spent on the beach at Pawleys Island with these same friends, his beloved cousins, and the people he met who vacationed there. He excelled academically, athletically, and socially throughout his youth; played football at Winyah High School, was named Mr. Homecoming, attended Boys State, and tutored his fellow students when they needed help. He also attained the rank of Eagle Scout. He grew up in a Christian home and was a member of First Baptist Church of Georgetown. After high school graduation he attended The Citadel as a recipient of the four-year Hugh P. Harris Scholarship. In 1981 he graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Friendships made at El Cid would last throughout his life and he treasured each and every one.

In 1981 He began a career with Santee Cooper that would span 34 years. As Maintenance Superintendent at Jefferies Generating Station, he never expected those under his supervision to do anything that he would not do himself. He thought of everyone as his equal regardless of race, religion, or socio/economic status. These qualities made for a happy work family and he enjoyed showing his appreciation by cooking big meals on “the Hill” for his coworkers.

However, his greatest achievement in life was that of family man. He adored his only child, Hannah, and taught her everything he could. How to swim, fish, drive and, to her mother’s chagrin, how to make arm-pit noises! Dance and piano recitals, gymnastics meets, he was there for it all. He rejoiced in her many triumphs and was a shoulder to cry on whenever she needed him. He loved his “daddy’s girl”! To his grandchildren he was PaPa, and they were the light of his life. To his nieces and nephews, he was the fun uncle everyone wished they had. They called him the “Ghost Crab Whisperer”. He was so proud of them all. To say that he spoiled his wife would be an understatement. He was her best friend, always loving, encouraging and helpful. He was a fantastic dancer! They shared a love of travel and cruising. Ireland, Alaska, and Hawaii were some of his favorites. Despite many disappointments in their life together they truly had a wonderful marriage.

Wade was an avid outdoorsman but especially enjoyed hunting ducks and geese with his cousin Jim and their nephews. Their trips in search of birds took them far and wide, from here to Canada and all points in between. Their favorite though, was the Outer Banks with long time guide and friend, Perry Wood. The stories from these trips were hilarious and colorful! He had hoped to make many more trips to include his son-in-law Joey.

In addition to his wife of 35 years he is survived by his mother, Carolyn Camlin, of Georgetown, his mother-in-law Edna Hanniford of Moncks Corner, his daughter Hannah Camlin Cotton and son-in-law Joey, grandchildren McKenna and Addison and Charley and Brody. Also, his sister Sarah Camlin Daniel of Georgetown, his brother Reverend Charles F. Camlin and sister-in-law Brett of Dallas, Texas, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Phyllis and Graham Finch of Mt. Pleasant and brother-in-law Wesley Hanniford of Summerville. Nieces and nephews Ashley, Katie, Shawn, April, Josh, Lindsey, Alyssa, Derek, Halli, Kal, Dell, Adam, Paige, Cam and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

Due to the COVID virus all services will be private.

Memorials in Wade’s name be made to Trinity Church Pinopolis, 1915 Pinopolis Rd, Pinopolis, SC 29469, The Roper St. Francis Foundation, 125 Doughty St. #790, Charleston, SC 29403, or Hospice of Charleston, 4975 Lacross Rd, N. Charleston, SC 29406.