George A. Malone

A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself. --Joseph Campbell

            George A. Malone, the youngest of five children, was born on September 25, 1944, to the late John Malone, Sr. and Adrianna Lucken-Malone, in Walterboro, South Carolina. During the early morning hours of Tuesday, February 17, 2026, he “exchanged his gun and badge” for his “Heavenly wings.” He was a graduate of the Ruffin High School Class of 1962, in Ruffin, South Carolina. Because of his fond love for basketball, he became a highly skilled member of the school’s basketball team. At an early age, he confessed Christ as his Savior, and became a lifelong, faithful member of Hopewell Presbyterian Church, USA, Walterboro. George has always had a passion and drive to help people in any way that he could.

            In 1968, he became the first African-American deputy at Colleton County Sheriff’s Department. He took a hiatus from this career in 1973 and was employed at Dayco Manufacturing for 13 years. Once again, making history in Colleton County, it was at Dayco that he became the first African-American supervisor. George later returned to the Sheriff’s Department in 1987 as a deputy. Respectfully and diligently, he worked his way up in rank as deputy, to Sergeant, Lieutenant, to Captain / Chief Deputy, to Major, all of being the first African American in Colleton County to do so. In 1999, he was appointed as Interim Sheriff by the governor of South Carolina, but later, in his bid for Sheriff, he unfortunately lost to his opponent. As the determined individual that he was, this did not deter him from achieving greater.

            In 2003, George ran for Sheriff a second time, and won. Making history once again, he became the first African American in Colleton County to be elected by the people for this prestigious position, having successfully served for two terms. After having served 33 years in law enforcement, he retired in 2012 from a career of which he loved and was very dedicated. A few of his accomplishments and awards include the following: Deputy of the Year, Best Elected Official via the Readers’ Choice Award, and Officer of the Year for the state of South Carolina.

            George was preceded in death by the following other members of his family: Marc K. Malone, son; Charity S. Peters and Adrianna Washington, sisters; John Malone, brother; and a lifelong friend, Mary Malone. Left to cherish his memories and legacy are his two daughters, Christie (Scott) Riggins and Shonnece (Torriano Stephens) Malone; four grandchildren; Markell, Christian, McKenzie, and Jaila; one brother, Charles (Vivian) Malone; three “son-like” nephews; Edward Peters, Dr. Stephen Peters and Lindberg Ancrum, Jr.; a dearly devoted friend, Pamela Aikens; three godchildren; Christopher Malone, Antoine Malone, and Candice Williams; a friend and dedicated caregiver; Andrew Crawford; and a host of nieces, other nephews, former co-workers, and friends.

            Former Sheriff George A. Malone, “a true giant in the law enforcement and justice arena,” has gone home to Glory and will truly be missed. This hero’s dedication to his family, friends, and community, is an attribute to be emulated. Fly high, George, and rest eternally in peace and power!

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of George A. Malone, please visit our floral store.