The sheriff shall without delay serve on the defendant a copy of the affidavit, notice and undertaking, by delivering it to him personally, if he can be found, or to his agent, from whose possession the property is taken, or, if neither can be found, by leaving them at the usual place of abode of either, with some person of suitable age and discretion. Upon delivery of the affidavit with the endorsement of the clerk of court or judge allowing immediate possession, the sheriff shall take the property described in the affidavit, if it be in possession of the defendant or his agent, and retain it in his custody.
S.C. Code § 15-69-60