Converse Alvah Chellis III (August 10, 1943 – June 14, 2026) was an American politician and accountant who served as the Treasurer of South Carolina and as a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1996 to 2006.

Converse Chellis
Treasurer of South Carolina
In office
2007–2011
GovernorMark Sanford
Preceded byThomas Ravenel
Succeeded byCurtis Loftis
Member of the
South Carolina House of Representatives
from the 94th district
In office
1996–2006
Preceded byHeyward Hutson
Succeeded byHeyward Hutson
Personal details
BornConverse Alvah Chellis III
(1943-08-10)August 10, 1943
DiedJune 14, 2026(2026-06-14) (aged 82)
PartyRepublican
Children2, including Con
EducationThe Citadel (BS)
Military service
Branch/service United States Air Force
RankCaptain

Early life and education

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Chellis was born and raised in Summerville, South Carolina. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from The Citadel and served as a captain in the United States Air Force.[1]

Career

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Prior to entering politics, Chellis worked as a Certified Public Accountant. In 1996, he was elected to the 94th district in the South Carolina House of Representatives, serving for 10 years. On August 3, 2007, Chellis was selected to serve as Treasurer of South Carolina by the South Carolina General Assembly, replacing Thomas Ravenel.[2][3] In 2011, he was succeeded by Curtis Loftis.[4][5]

Personal life and death

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Chellis and his wife, Sharon, have two children. His son, Con Chellis, is a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives.

Chellis died from cancer on June 14, 2026, at the age of 82.[6]

References

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  1. Converse Chellis III's Biography
  2. SEANNA ADCOX. "BREAKING NEWS - Legislature selects Chellis as treasurer". The Times and Democrat. Associated Press. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
  3. Wenger, Yvonne. "Gloves come off as Chellis voted in". Post and Courier. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
  4. "Our Campaigns - Candidate - Converse A. Chellis III". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
  5. Messervy, Ashleigh (February 18, 2010). "S.C. Treasurer Seeks Second Term". WACH. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
  6. "Converse Chellis Obituary". The State. June 15, 2026. Retrieved June 18, 2026 via Legacy.