Elton "Boots" Hartman Epting, 86, passed away on Thanksgiving Morning, November 23, 2017 at his home in Chapin, SC, on the 28th anniversary of his mother's death. He was predeceased by his first wife, Annie Eargle Epting in 2000 and is survived by his current wife, Mary White-Epting, his five children, Eddie (Gail), Steve (Kathy), and Benjy (Lisa), all of Chapin, SC, Richard of Yulee, FL, and Angie (David) Russell of Jacksonville, FL and two step-daughters, Michele White and Marie Frick (Doug) all of Irmo. He leaves behind five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, his brother, James "Snag" (Sadie) Epting of Newberry, sister, Linda (Ronnie) Cromer of Prosperity, and many nieces and nephews. Boots was born on November 9, 1931 to Olin and Werts Epting. He lived with his parents and his aunt and uncle, Mattie and Joe Ben Epting. Uncle Ben and Aunt Mat were like second parents to him, raising him as their own. After graduating from Prosperity High School, he joined the U.S. Marines and worked for two years in the motor pool at Parris Island, SC during which time he married his high school sweetheart, Annie Eargle. Boots and Annie raised their five children in Jacksonville, FL, where he was Fleet and Safety Manager for Unijax for many years. They moved back to Chapin, SC where he retired from Unijax and taught auto mechanics in Richland County schools for several years. He then worked for Eagle Construction in Newberry for nearly 20 years. He enjoyed working on cars, doing mechanical and body work. It was like magic to him to watch the transformation. He took great pride in turning a wrecked car into a useful vehicle again. The last several years his movements were restricted but his family believes he memorized the words to every old Western TV show out there, his favorite being Walker, Texas Ranger! The family will receive friends on Friday, December 1, 2017 from 6:00 PM until 7:30 PM at St. Jacob's Lutheran Church, 844 Columbia Avenue, Chapin, SC. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, December 2, 2017 at St. Jacob's Lutheran Church conducted by the Rev. Andrew Eargle. Burial with military honors will follow in the church cemetery. The family suggests memorials to the Shriners Hospital for Children in Greenville, 950 W. Faris Rd., Greenville, SC 29605 or to the American Diabetes Association, 2451 Crystal Drive, Suite 900, Arlington, VA 22202. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.whitakerfuneralhome.com. Whitaker Funeral Home of Chapin is assisting the family.