Christopher "Chip" Tayag

J. Christopher “Chip” Tayag, 57, of Indian Land, SC, was welcomed into the loving arms of Jesus Christ on Tuesday, November 22, 2022.

He was born on October 13, 1965, in Towson, MD to Dr. Diadema Simon and the late Dr. Balbino Z. Tayag, Jr.  In 1972, Dr. Edilberto Beltran became stepfather to Chip and his siblings. Chip was the youngest of 6 close-knit siblings who were always there to love and support each other through thick and thin. Chip had an exceptionally close relationship with all 14 of his nieces and nephews, godfather to many of them. He was an integral part of their lives, sharing the joy of their births all the way through adulthood; they always remained very close to their Uncle Chip.

Chip’s love of faith and family was the foundation of his life. He was an active member at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Indian Land, SC, where he and his wife Kerry were married on August 3, 2019.

Chip loved life and adventure; living every second to the fullest. In his younger years, you could often find him camping, fishing, playing tennis, and riding his dirt bike and motorcycle. In 1994, Chip endured a serious motorcycle accident with severe injuries and a near-amputation. He never complained. He always remained positive and kept that big smile on his face as he endured the pain and miraculously, made a full recovery.

He obtained his certification in scuba diving and became a black belt in karate. However, Chip’s greatest love was flying. It started at a young age flying his remote control plane to earning his pilot’s license while he worked as an IT professional. He flew for Helicopter Adventures in Myrtle Beach for 3 years. This led to his job with WBTV in Charlotte, NC. Chip loved flying, and safety was always his priority as a helicopter pilot.

Chip was the most selfless and loving person to all who were blessed to know him. He was always happy and laughing, with that big beautiful smile on his face. His support and generosity were second nature to anyone he encountered. He cared about others, to the point that if you were around him, you felt valued. His love and connection with those around him, showed in the unique nicknames he had for family, friends, and coworkers.

Chip is survived by his wife, Kerry Tayag, stepdaughter, Elizabeth Walker and stepson Jonathan Walker (Emily Walker); mother, Diadema Beltran, stepfather, Edilberto Beltran, and five siblings: Rowena Crist (Michael Crist), Carene Giannico (Mike Giannico), Tristan Tayag (Jennifer Tayag), Tito Beltran (Vicki Beltran), and Rick Beltran (Cara Beltran), 14 nieces and nephews and 11 grand-nieces and nephews.

The family will receive visitors from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at Palmetto Funeral Home, 2049 Carolina Place Drive Fort Mill, SC. A funeral mass will be held at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 7031 Waxhaw Hwy, Lancaster, SC.

For those wishing to attend virtually, the services will be live streamed at https://www.youtube.com/@GraceLilyProductions.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to HOPE of Lancaster County .