Algie Melfi Grubbs, Sr.

Algie Melfi Grubbs passed away peacefully on July 9, 2025, at the age of 88. Born in Blackville, South Carolina, he was the son of Algie Morgan Grubbs and Arlene Sandifer Grubbs. One of six siblings, Algie grew up on a farm, where he learned the value of hard work from an early age. He often worked in the fields with his pet mule, Dan, and helped sell watermelons at the local farmers market while his father built connections with the community.

Algie attended both country and city schools in Barnwell, South Carolina, and graduated from Barnwell High School. He saved diligently to attend Clemson A&M, where he worked at the Clemson Hotel washing dishes and bussing tables. After graduating from Clemson, he continued his education, earning a Masters Degree from South Carolina State University.

Algie began his career teaching driver’s education and shop at Thaxton Junior High School. He later served as director of Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College, and president of both Denmark-Voorhees and Chesterfield-Marlboro Technical Colleges. He was named Cheraw Citizen of the Year in 1974–75.

He transitioned to real estate, opening Charter Realtors offices in Columbia, SC. Later, on Hilton Head Island with RE/MAX Realty, he became a top-five agent in both residential and commercial real estate and proudly earned his CCIM designation.

Algie loved beach music and dancing, founding the Hilton Head Shag Club and later joining the Columbia Shag Club.

He is survived by his children, Algie Melfi (Tracy) Grubbs Jr. and Angela Ruth Grubbs; grandchildren, Michael (Hannah) Page, Morgan Grubbs, Molly (Whit) Grubbs Ricks, and Wyatt (Nicole) Grubbs; and great-grandchildren, Rivers, Shuler, and Emmi Kate Page. He is lovingly remembered by his devoted companion, Carolyn Nebbia, to whom our family owes a great deal of gratitude.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Three Oaks Hospice, McLeod Home Care, and all who supported Algie in his final days.

A gathering for family and friends will be held at his home in Irmo on Friday, July 18, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. The graveside service will take place Saturday, July 19, at 11:00 a.m. at Spring Branch Baptist Church, 833 Deacon Road, Bamberg, SC 29003.

Algie lived by the motto: “If it’s meant to be, it’s up to me.” His life was marked by resilience, integrity, and commitment to his work, family, and community.