, there are six former u.s. governors of south carolina who are currently living at this time, the oldest u.s. governor of south carolina being ernest "fritz" hollings (served 1959–1963, born 1922). the most recent u.s. governor of south carolina to die was james burrows edwards (served 1975–1979, born 1927), on december 26, 2014. the most recently serving governor to die was carroll a. campbell, jr. (served 1987–1995, born 1940) on december 7, 2005.