I hope this isn't just another news article that fades away with the days of the week. This man was a TRUE hero, I dont know very many people that stick out in my mind like he has. He was my uncle and has inspired me my whole life. He was a strong tough man even at 83 and was also the nicest person you've ever met. It is a shame that after all he went through and the lives he saved in WWII that he had to die in a motel parking lot at the hands of 2 worthless thugs!!!

Here is a man who served his Country well, loved his family and was respected by his friends. Sadly we live in a era where life means nothing to cowardly thugs as these men are. Unfortunately we have to live our lives on constant guard..but you can bet your bottom dollar I would not call 911...first.

It is 1:40AM and I am reading the wonderful comments made about my father, Clair C.Chaffin. I am putting in his middle initial because that's the way my Dad like his name on everything. My two younger sisters and I am in shock right now. My Dad was the Rock in our lives. He was such a lovable man, I don't think he had an enemy in the world. He had many many friends and all his relatives adored him. He was on his way to Virginia to attend a meeting with other 4th Marine Divison Assoc. people and then he and his dear friend were heading for a trip across the Canadian Rockies. He was really excited about this trip. It is unbelievable he was gunned down like this. I know my Dad and he was tough. He wouldn't have just handed his money over! I so wish that he had, nothing was worth his life. Thank all you wonderful people for your comments and prayers.

Uncle Clair, you will be missed greatly. I enjoyed the time we spent togeather, exspecially when we fixed my dads roof in Tallahassee. What fun we had. I will miss our talks and jokes and I will raise my children the way we talked about. I love you uncle Clair  David A Chaffin Jr

What a tragedy that this man lived his life as a hero, not only to his country but apparently also to his family - to have it taken away by someone with no regard or respect for anything is beyond comprehension. My heart and prayers go out to his family.

to the family i am truley sorry for your loss and i hope that these 2 will be caught and they get the death sentence. its a shame that nowadays we come to our job and have to lock the door so the wrong person does not walk in and kill us or rob us. everyday thats what i do and it shouldnt have to be that way but it is.this man came to our town for a visit and lost his life because 2 worthless people decided they wanted something that didnt belong to them,what kind of message does that send out to people.again to the family i am sorry and my prayers are with you at this hard time in trying to deal with this and the way it happened.

I am so sorry that your family had to lose such a kind, unselfish man to the two low-life pieces of trash who stole his life. My father also fought at Iwo Jima, and I know that your dad and uncle had to have been a strong man to have survived such a battle. Too often there are those in our state who believe that the world owes them something, and if it isn't given to them, they will take it by force. My hope is that these two punks will be found soon before someone else loses a loved one.

Dear Chaffin family, Chris and I are very devastated and so sadly grieved for this unexpected and tragic ending. We are outraged for it is a loss for many of us as well. For he was one of the few of the BEST. He was the best neighbor, friend, and mentor for the past 27 plus years we have known him.

I visualize him driving by our house. He was always quick to smile & wave, self volunteer with our building projects, or just come over to chat and play Frisbee with our German Shepherds...as did Muriel. Such an unfair way to leave this world after giving so much to his country, family and friends. I am so glad I visited him on Memorial week-end. I have always honored him...I am half Japanese and never was there any trace of prejudice but just understanding of the human race. He has told us of his humble beginnings in a large Irish family and his adventures in this world. We as civilians salute and honor this man. God rest his soul...heaven has another star. - Marj & Chris Spence

I wanted to post a comment with the hope that Mr. Chaffin's family may read this. We are not all bad people that live in Florence. I know that when they hear the name they will always remember something bad. The people that did this did not know or care that they were killng a American Hero. It is such a shame that his precious life had to end here and in the way that it did. To his family and friends I know that I speak for a lot of people yall have our thoughts and prayers. Hopefully the people that did this will be found and have their day in court.

My heartfelt condolences also go out to the family and friends of a true American hero from the Greatest Generation. It is such a shame to have this happen. I hope justice will be served quickly.

I am so very sorry for the unnecessary loss of this obviously very special man. My thoughts & prayers are with his family & friends. Semper Fi Mr.

Clair C. Chaffin, God bless you!!

My heart hurts. I loved him, and I love you Alice. So many days I spent at your house in high school. He had such a gentle spirit and that spirit will be his legacy ... it's what made him - him.

First I want to thank the police of Florence for apprehending the two men that murdered my Uncle so quickly. Secondly I would also like to thank the people of Florence for their compassion and concern. It is a very tragic way to end the life of a person that has always given so much of himself to his country and all of those whose lives he touched. He always had a kind word and a smile for everyone. And I am sure he probably even smiled at the people that shot him at first. My Uncle was the BEST. He will forever be in my heart. My deepest sympathy goes out to my cousins, for the loss of now both of their parents. And to the two men that felt the need to take his life, I sincerely hope that you NEVER see daylight again. That you will NEVER see your loved ones again. The Bible says an eye for an eye. I truely hope that the state of S.C. goes for the death penalty for both of you. You deserve that at the very least, for your actions.

Uncle Clair, rest in peace. You were a true angel here on earth.

I love you.

Darlene