Arthur McMillan Semken

Arthur McMillan Semken, Jr., 91, of Charleston, South Carolina, husband of Betty Jo Semken, entered into eternal rest Tuesday, July 9, 2024. Arthur was born on December 26, 1932 in Charleston, South Carolina, son of Arthur McMillan Semken and Charlotte Pashley Davis. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951-1954 as a radio operator, and was a veteran of the Korean War. He was married to Betty Jo McGarity on July 25th, 1955 in Fort Myers, Florida. He graduated from the Citadel as a veteran student, class of 1958. Upon completion of his education, he began his career as a salesman, he wrote the first CB hand book “Flip-Flop”, then was a real estate broker, being recognized in the Charleston Million Dollar Club. Arthur was a long-time member of numerous clubs including the Charleston Elks Lodge, Charleston Yacht Club, Citadel Alumni Association, and a lifetime member of James Island Yacht Club.

He was an enthusiastic fisherman (his beloved boats On the Rocks and Jim Island Express) and a well known “legend” to many Charleston natives. When he wasn’t on the water, he spent his time playing golf at the Charleston Municipal Golf Course, hunting, playing pool with friends at the Charleston Yacht Club and cocktail hour spent at the James Island Yacht Club.

Arthur is survived by his daughter, Vicky Semken Bartleson (Keith); two sons, Arthur "Mac" Semken III, Mark Steven Semken (Lucia); six grandchildren, Garrard Semken, Leslie Semken, Stevie Semken (Amy), Jennifer Yaun, Blair Bartleson Rivers (Ford), Keith Allen Bartleson, Jr. (Lauren); four great-grandchildren, Grady Semken, Dawson Semken, Mason Yaun, Eliza Rivers. He was predeceased by his son, Eric Scott Semken; great granddaughter, Kathyrn Rivers; and siblings Cecelia B. Semken, Betty Semken Inabinet, Johnny Semken.

 His Graveside Service will be held Tuesday, July 16th, 2024 in Holy Cross Cemetery, 604 Fort Johnson Road at 1:00 pm. Following the service, family will receive friends at the James Island Yacht Club from 2:00-4:00pm.

 Memorials may be made to Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital.