Charles Danny McLean

Charles Danny McLean, beloved husband of Carolyn H. McLean, was embraced by the loving arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ, on February 19, 2026, after a long illness. Charlie was born January 19, 1939, in the town of Ellenton, SC, to Robert Lee McLean and Ella Muns McLean. He is predeceased by his parents and a daughter, Janet Helen McLean. Survivors include his wife of 47 years Carolyn; sons David, Brett, and Alex (Wendy) McLean of West Columbia, SC; Ken (Mary Lynn) Medlin of West Columbia,SC, and Mel (Ashley) Medlin of Lexington, SC. "Papa Charlie" is survived also by his seven grandchildren, Rebecca (Kristen) Stone, McKenna Medlin, Maggie, Jeanne, Brett McLean, Cali Medlin, and Zoe Carter.

Charlie spent his entire career in law enforcement beginning with the Richland County Sheriff's Department and then moving to Forest Acres Police Department where he became Chief of Police. After retirement in 1988 from FAPD, he became Chief of Security at Richland Fashion Mall for five years and was then hired by the Police Department of William Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Hospital. After retirement (again), he went back to work for FAPD on a part-time basis for 20 years.

Charlie was a former member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) where he worshipped and served in many capacities over the years as Sunday school teacher, deacon, elder, choir member,trustee, and on many committees. He became a member of the Emmaus Community in 1991 where he actively and joyfully shared the love of God for many years. He is a current member of Red Bank Fellowhip Church. Known most of all for his infectious laughter and sense of humor, Charlie was graced with a beautiful tenor voice that he used for God's glory.

There was never any question as to who came first in Charlie's life. He was a Godly man who gave his life to Christ as a young boy in Jackson, SC. Secondly, he was forever a devoted family man who loved and sacrificed with great humility. Charlie was proud of his Scottish ancestry, loved studying history, watching the Gamecocks play, and last, but certainly not least, he doted on his many fur-friends over the years (Tessa, Damsel, Midnight, Ginger, Mama Cat, George, Hampton, and Lexie).

A Celebration of Life will be held at First Christian Church, 2062 Beltline Blvd, Columbia, SC 29204 on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Visitation will be held in the sanctuary from 2:00 pm until 3:00 pm. The Celebration of Life Service will begin at 3:00 pm in the Sanctuary. Memorials may be made to Red Bank Fellowship Methodist Church Building Fund, 1792 South Lake Drive, Suite 90-315, Lexington, SC 29073, to Emmaus of the Midlands, P. O. Box 81, Lexington, SC 29071 , or to First Christian Church, 2062 Beltline Blvd., Columbia, SC 29204.

The Family wishes to thank Agape Hospice of South Carolina for their loving care the last fourteen months of Charlie's life, and to all those who prayed, who sat with Charlie, who brought food, flowers, and love and laughter into our home during the darkest of times, knowing that God's light was stronger than the darkness.