Michael Evans Vaughn

The Hon. Michael Evans Vaughn of Great Falls, SC passed away on May 15, 2025 after a brief illness. A memorial service will be held June 7, 2025 at 2pm at Great Falls Presbyterian Church.  The family will greet visitors after the service. Interment will be private.

Mike was born in Rock Hill, SC on June 15, 1956, the second child of the late Evans and Alice Vaughn. The family moved to Great Falls in 1961. Mike was a 1974 graduate of Great Falls High School and attended Clemson and USC.

Mike retired from Duracell in Lancaster, SC in 2019 after 40 years of service. He was especially proud of his final role working to ensure the safety of his coworkers. He made many lifelong friends at Duracell and enjoyed keeping in touch with former colleagues after retirement.

Mike returned to Great Falls in 2004 and quickly got involved in many local organizations. He was an Elder at Great Falls Presbyterian Church, a board member of the Great Falls Hometown Association, a board member of the Chester SC250 committee, a leader of the Greenlawn Cemetery Association, a board / steering team member of Great Falls Community Heart & Soul, and a member of the Lions Club. As a man of deep-rooted faith, he was passionate about eradicating food instability in Chester County. He was one of the original organizers and volunteers for the county-wide food distribution program, helping many families access needed resources during difficult times. Mike always did whatever he could to make Chester County and Great Falls a great place to call home. Mike was first elected to the Chester County Council in 2018, representing the citizens of District 2.

After retirement Mike took up kayaking and became a certified instructor.  He launched the first kayaking business in the area, Great Falls Adventures, and relished guiding folks to see the spider lilies at Landsford Canal State Park. Mike’s favorite paddle was to show off the beauty, wildlife, and history of Stumpy Pond on the Catawba River. He was active with the Catawba Riverkeepers and regularly led cleanups of islands, trails, and tributaries around Great Falls.

Mike rarely did anything half-heartedly. He was an avid hunter early in life, but later turned his attention to bluegrass music. He taught himself to play harmonica, bass, and guitar. Bass was his primary instrument, like his father before him, and he also sang lead and harmony. He played with many bluegrass musicians from the Midlands area and across the country.

Outside of his many community activities and interests, Mike loved spending time with his children. He is survived by his son Jevan Michael Vaughn (Ashwin), daughter Jenna Vaughn Simmons (Brandon), grandson Raj Vaughn, long-time companion Sloan Dixon, sister Patti Parker (Mike), brother Brock (Shawn), and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his daughter Corrine Vaughn.

Memorial donations may be offered to Great Falls Presbyterian Church,  PO Box 466, Great Falls, SC 29055 or to Greenlawn Cemetery Association PO Box 191, Great Falls, SC 29055

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.dantzlerbakerfuneralhome.com.