Archie Chavis was born on October 25, 1933 in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, to the late Luke Chavis, Sr. and Rosa Garnett Chavis. He entered eternal rest on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, with his wife and children by his side.

As a young student, he contributed to his family by working the fields alongside his father and siblings, handing over his wages to ensure that the growing family could make ends meet. When he was older, he alternated between helping his mother care for his younger siblings and helping his father in the lumber yard and with other jobs. In the process, he developed perseverance and a strong work ethic that would later become instrumental in his success.

He gave his life to Christ at a young age and was baptized at Rock Hill Baptist Church. As a teenager, Archie dreamed of owning a store and even attempted to build one on his own. After he came of age, he moved to New York in 1953 in pursuit of that dream. He worked two jobs to support his family and boost his savings until he was able to open Archie's Grocery in Brooklyn, New York in 1964. With his older brother as a partner and his younger brothers as employees, they established a business built on a strong foundation of faith and family.

Archie married his neighborhood sweetheart, Annabell Spann on January 2, 1957. To this union, three children were born; however, one did not survive infancy. The happy couple worked together to create a rich legacy as entrepreneurs and pillars of the community while raising their two children, Michael and Brenda. In addition to Archie's Grocery, he owned RC Wines and Liquors, a laundromat, two apartment buildings and multiple properties between New York and South Carolina. In 2013, in recognition of his accomplishments, he was presented a certificate of appreciation by The Stuyvesant Heights Oral History Project, which celebrates and preserves the rich personal histories, images and voices of community elders.

Archie was a visionary who recognized quality. He loved a tailored suit, a nice hat, fancy cars and good music, especially gospel music. But most of all, he loved God and his family. Even as a young boy who never had much to say, when asked if wanted to be prayed for, he would enthusiastically respond, "Always!" His trust in God is what he held on to in good times and in challenging times. As a member of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Brooklyn, NY, he proudly served on the Usher Board for many years.

Archie's life was lived as a true example of faith in action, tenacity and grit. He always gave 110%. He was preceded in death by his parents, Luke and Rosa Chavis, and three of his siblings, Elijah Chavis, Luke Chavis, Jr. and Elaine Smalls.

He leaves to mourn: his wife, Annabell Chavis; his children, Michael Chavis (Tonya) and Brenda Stembridge (James); grandchildren, Sherry Stembridge Manns (Eric), Cheryl Rosa (John), Latoya Chavis, James R. Stembridge, Coretta Stembridge Mitchell (Jeffrey), Michael T. Chavis, Brittany Stembridge (Quintin) and Tierra Chavis; his great-grandchildren, Alanni Cannon, Richie Rosa, Elan Morris and Jonas Chavis; his siblings, Lucinda Simmons, James Chavis, Sr., Betty Jones (Herb), Doris Reid, Willie Chavis (Minnie), Edward Chavis (Cheryl) and Jimmy Chavis (Mary); his sisters and brother-in-law, Corine Chavis, Dolores Chavis and Elijah Smalls; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, May 15, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at Rock Hill Baptist Church, 975 South Live Oak Drive, Moncks Corner, SC. Burial will take place in the church cemetery. Viewing will be held on Sunday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

The service may be viewed via Zoom: