David was born on January 23, 1942 in Richland County. He was the son of David Anderson, Sr. and Mary L. Brabham. He was a lifelong resident of Lexington County. He was a 1960 graduate of Lexington High School, where he played football under Coach W. Ingram.
David joined the U.S. Air Force in August 1960. He completed mechanical school, as a Refueling Specialist in Amarillo, Texas. He was honorably discharged as an A1CE-4P Airman First Class in April of 1964. He was then transferred to the Air Force Inactive Reserve until completing his six-year military Statutory Obligation in July of 1966.
Early in his career, he drove tankers for Laney Tank Lines and worked for Colite Industries and Allied Chemical. In later years, he delivered sawmill shavings for Corley Mill Lumber Company. In 1966, David served as a dispatcher and patrol officer with Cayce Police Department. His time in the military and the expansion of Columbia Metropolitan Airport led to his career with Delta Airlines, where he was employed as Refueler and Luggage Handler and retired as a Senior Gate Agent.
While stationed at Kincheloe Air Force Base in Kinross Township, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, he met Phyllis and started their family, complete with their six sons and their families, Daniel (Tracy), Michael (Mary Katherine), David Anthony (Michele), Stephen (Maxine), Christopher, and Matthew. He was the proud grandfather of nine grandchildren, Elaine, Carol, Josh (Brigitte), Wes, Kris, Mitch (Jessica), David (Sam), Zach, Chad, Kris and ten great-grandchildren, Erik, Maeve, Owen, Jacob, Jace, Wylie, Witton, Bo, Grace, and Swayze.
David was known to his family as “Junior” and friends as “Dave”. His family meant more to him than anything else in the world, always asking after them and cheering them on in their endeavors. He was a selfless individual, always willing to lend a hand or help through acts of service for others. Dave supported Phyllis’ artistic ventures, often helping her prepare materials. As a family, they enjoyed traveling and participated on many bowling teams through the years. Dave loved the guitar, complete with campfire country music. He loved anything with a motor and shared his passion for classic vehicles with his sons. Dave collected baseball caps to show his support for college and athletic programs in support of his grandchildren. He firmly believed in presence over presents. In retirement, he cooked weekly Sunday morning breakfast for his Mom and family. You could always find him sitting in his garage, listening to country music, watching NASCAR, enjoying a cold beverage and cooking on his hibachi grill. Dave took pride in providing for his family, who acknowledge the many sacrifices he made for them.
Anyone who knew Dave knew that he was the most loving husband, father and friend a family could ask for. He was predeceased by his parents and sons, Tony, Chris and Matt. He is survived by his wife; sons, Dan, Mike and Steve and sisters, Helen Alexander, Nancy Jackson, and Jan A. Sturkie.
Grandsons will serve as pallbearers for the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his memory to Hospice of the EUP, 308 W. 12th Ave., Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783; Boys Farm, PO Box 713 Newberry, SC 29108 or a charity of one’s choice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.caughmanlexington.com for the Anderson family.
DONATIONS
Hospice of the EUP 308 W. 12th Ave., Sault Ste. Marie , MI 49783
Boys Farm PO Box 713 , Newberry, SC 29108
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