Khin Chea
JANUARY 1 , 1947 – FEBRUARY 22 , 2023
Service: SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2023 Visitation 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm MCEWEN PINEVILLE CHAPEL 10500 Park Rd Charlotte, North Carolina 28210
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2023 LIVESTREAM Celebration of Life 2:00 pm MCEWEN PINEVILLE CHAPEL A reception will follow the Celebration of Life 10500 Park Rd Charlotte, North Carolina 28210
Khin Chea was a devoted husband of 55 years, a wonderful father to 5 children, and a fantastic Grandpa to 13 grandchildren. Few people knew of his background and the many lives that he impacted. He was selfless and rarely shared his story. He was born on January 1, 1947, in Kampot, Cambodia to Leat Chea and Noun Leap. He met the love of his life, Maline, in Phnom Penh in 1966 and married in 1967, and began raising four children while serving as an officer in the Cambodian Navy. When the communist party overthrew the Cambodian government in April 1975, he made a decision that would save the lives of his and hundreds of other families. As an officer in the Cambodian Navy, he and other officers made the courageous decision to take four naval vessels out to sea to flee Cambodia for safety and security in the United States.
When he arrived in America, he worked full-time washing cars and then at the Reese’s chocolate factory to provide for his family while attending community college at night. Eventually, he earned his electrical engineering degree from Penn State University and welcomed his fifth child. His sacrifices provided his family love and security as they became established and thrived in their new country. As his family became stable, Khin decided to become a sponsor to dozens of refugees from Cambodia which allowed them to come to America for better lives. The number of lives that he impacted is immeasurable and his legacy will continue to impact those that knew him. His first, and only, job upon graduation from Penn State was with Duke Energy as an electrical engineer. He was a loyal and dedicated Duke employee, and he was fortunate to take early retirement. In retirement, he did not sit still. He dabbled in various business ventures and obtained his real estate license. He purchased acreage in Blacksburg and loved spending time on the property. Most importantly, he loved spending time with his lovely wife, Maline. Khin was not fond of flying, so the two crisscrossed the United States many times in their Sprinter Van to visit family and friends. The lifelong love and support that they shared during their journey as refugees from Cambodia to American citizens is one to be admired and cherished.
Khin is survived by his loving wife, Maline, and his children, Chet Chea and his wife Liz, Seth Chea and his wife Mitzi, Andy Chea and his wife Carol, Malida Chea Spencer, and Tony Chea and his wife Lea, and 13 grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Scott and his wife Sichanda and sisters, Kov Ngoun, Sean Keng, Khean Chea, and Sin Chea. Khin was preceded in death by his parents. The love and support he provided his family are eternal. He will be forever loved and missed. Khin’s family will receive friends from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Sunday, February 26th at McEwen Funeral Service – Pineville Chapel, 10500 Park Road in Charlotte. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. with a reception following. The service will be available by livestream. (Please click on “Join Services In Memory Of Khin Chea Help tell the story of your loved one’s unique life. Leave a memory or share a photo or video below to show your support. Livestream” below Scheduled Services about ten minutes prior to the service.) In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Khin Chea Legacy Fund, 2631 Farmstead Lane, Fort Mill, SC 29708. This fund will be used to benefit the Cambodian community in a manner that will preserve his memory.