Khai Van Phan, age 91, of Rock Hill, South Carolina, peacefully passed away on October 30, 2026.

Born on May 25, 1935, in Xuan Thuy, Bui Chu, Vietnam, he was the cherished son of the late Nghien Ngoc Phan and La Thi Nguyen.

Khai’s life was defined by resilience, profound faith, and an unwavering commitment to his family. Born in North Vietnam, he made the courageous choice to emigrate to South Vietnam in 1954 to evade the communist persecution of Catholics. His family settled in the small village of Lang Cat. It was there that he met the love of his life, Gam Thi Pham, whom he married in 1959.

To provide for his growing family, Khai worked tirelessly, farming the land and fishing the local waters. When the Vietnam War reached his home, he served honorably in the local militia to protect his community. In 1975, as the impending communist takeover of South Vietnam grew near, Khai heroically gathered his family to escape the country in search of freedom.

Their journey eventually led them to Rock Hill, South Carolina, where the family was warmly sponsored by Saint Anne Catholic Church. Khai remained a resident of Rock Hill for the rest of his life. He provided a stable and fruitful life for his household by working at the Celanese Celriver plant until his retirement.

Deeply religious, Khai was widely recognized as a foundational pillar in the Vietnamese Catholic community of Rock Hill, where he generously gave his time, leadership, and wisdom to help the parish grow. He found immense peace in God's creation, continuing his lifelong passions for fishing and hunting well into his later years.

Above all, Khai was a dedicated family man who loved his wife and family unconditionally. He was exceptionally proud of his children, always celebrating their milestones and successes as his own greatest achievements. He leaves behind a rich legacy of strength, faith, and heroic devotion.

Khai is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Gam Thi Phan, and his seven children and nineteen grandchildren:

• Hao Van Phan (wife Huong, children Duy and Ni)
• Hung Van Phan (wife Van, children Kimberly, Matthew, Paul, and Tomas)
• Hanh Van Phan (wife Xuan, children Tyler, Hannah, and Hailey)
• Yen Thi Mai (husband Thanh, children Jessica, Le, Vy, Kieu, and Tram Anh)
• Thao Van Phan (wife Trang Anh, child Lauren)
• Van Thi Obregon (husband Alan, children Gabriel and Victor)
• Anne Thi Lam (husband Minh, children Taylor and Lindsay)

A visitation will be held on Friday, November 6, 2026, at 6:00 PM at Bass-Cauthen Funeral Home (700 Heckle Blvd, Rock Hill, SC).
A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 9:00 AM at Saint Anne Catholic Church (1694 Bird St, Rock Hill, SC). 
Khai will be laid to rest immediately following the mass at Rock Hill Memorial Gardens (700 Heckle Blvd, Rock Hill, SC).