Columbia, SC

Christopher Turner Thrailkill, formerly of Cheraw, SC, died September 21, 2026, in Columbia, SC. He was born to Dr. and Mrs. James C. Thrailkill on May 15, 1958.

Chris attended public schools in Cheraw until high school. Growing up, he discovered fishing at Hamden Pond and always loved it. He could walk there with a pole and find paradise. He also loved fishing and hunting with his life-long friend since middle school, Donald Evans. Fishing was a cherished pastime his whole life. Chris finished high school in 1976 at Christ School in Arden, NC. It was one of his favorite places in the world and where he secured a great life-long friend, Philip Owens. After high school and a short college stint, Chris joined the Army and became a tank commander in the 1st Cavalry division. He served during Desert Storm and was injured in a tank explosion. He earned many commendations during his years of service. After his Army days, he became a truck driver for a time and loved seeing the country from a rig.

One of Chris’s greatest God-given gifts was the ability to make people laugh. He was always ready with a great joke or one-liner to liven up the mood. Finding common connections with new people was a great strength of his. History was his happy place. He was fortunate to spend much of his adult life visiting the beach often. The ocean was a balm to his soul. He loved being a dad to his son, Jackson and often stated that Jackson was his greatest treasure.

Chris was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Betty Thrailkill, and his stepdaughter, Katie. He is survived by his son, Jackson Thrailkill; his brothers, Tony Thrailkill and Phil Thrailkill (Lori); his sister, Betsy Tetsch (Christian); his nieces and nephews, Dan Thrailkill (Joe), Ellen Britt (Forest), Anthony Thrailkill (Lacey), Katherine Thrailkill, Madelene Tetsch (Jonathan), and Iris Tetsch; his great-nephews, Raleigh and Michael; and his stepdaughter, Mary Carter (Brandon).

Visitation will be held in The Parlor at First United Methodist Church in Cheraw November 7, 2026, at 10AM and the funeral service will be held in the sanctuary of the church at 11AM. Graveside service will be held at St. David’s Cemetery immediately thereafter. Happy are those who die in the Lord.

Memorials may be made to St. David’s Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 1196 Cheraw, SC 29520, McArn Food Bank P.O. Box 372, Cheraw, SC 29520, ABBA’s House Ministries, 66 Praise Lane, Cheraw, SC 29520