Dennis Patrick "Chip" Clarkin, Jr.

Dennis Patrick (Chip) Clarkin, Jr., 71 died peacefully in Hospice surrounded by his family on September 16, 2022.  His funeral service and celebration of life will be held at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 300 Palm Boulevard, Isle of Palms, S.C. at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, September 21, 2022. The family will receive friends one hour before the service.

Chip was the son of Dennis P. Clarkin, Sr. and Helen Carter Clarkin and was raised on the Isle of Palms.  He graduated from Stella Maris Catholic School and Bishop England High School before attending Anderson College. He spent the majority of his career on the Charleston waterfront working for the S.C. State Ports Authority, Carolina Shipping, Stevens Shipping and Strachan Shipping.  He also worked for Piggly Wiggly and Harris Teeter in Mt. Pleasant.

He is survived by his sister, Mary Clarkin Taylor (Ray); his brother, Frank Clarkin (Janie); his son Max (Lauren); four nieces: Sarah Taylor Myers (Josh), Lauren U. Sims, Mary Harold and Maggie Harold.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his niece Courtney Laine Taylor and his nephew Robert Patrick Clarkin.

Chip loved the people of the Isle of Palms and all aspects of island life.  Much of his early life was spent at the “Playground” where he was an excellent baseball player.  His talent carried him to the B.E.H.S. baseball team and then to many years on the Windjammer Softball Team. He was a Water Safety Instructor at the Sand Dunes Club and later a life guard at Oconee State Park. He was a dedicated public servant and was a long-time volunteer for the Fire Department and Rescue Squad.  He was a Past President of the Isle of Palms Exchange Club where he dedicated his time and talent to make his community a better place to live.

Chip had many friends and really enjoyed the annual trip with his Litchfield Beach golf buddies. He was an avid sports fan and loved gathering with his friends at Danny Causey’s house to cheer on their favorite teams.  He was an avid Carolina fan and stood with his beloved Gamecocks through thick and thin. 

He had a special bond with his friends in the B.E.H.S. Class of 1969 and he enjoyed planning and attending all of the reunions and golf tournaments.

His family would like to thank the outstanding staff at the Roper ICU for their care and support. They would also like to thank the staff at Roper Hospice Cottage for their gentle compassion.

Memorials may be made to the MDS Foundation at https://www.mds-foundation.org/.