David Earl Williamson

David Earl Williamson, 64, of Swansea entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on the evening of Saturday, June 10, following a lengthy illness.

Born in Columbia, S.C., he was the son of Woodrow Wilson Williamson, Sr. and Mildred Pridemore Williamson. David grew up in South Congaree attending Ebenezer Pentecostal Holiness Church where he felt called to serve in ministry at the age of ten. David graduated from Lexington High School in 1976 and then Holmes Theological Seminary (now Holmes Bible College) in 1979. For the next 20 years, David served as associate pastor or senior pastor at churches in the Pentecostal Holiness Church and the Assemblies of God denomination throughout South Carolina and in Oklahoma. David continued in ministry throughout his life by guest preaching, leading worship, and ministering under the moniker, “Dr. Dave,” through a combination of music and Christian comedy (or, as he described it, a “double dose of feeling fine”). His most fervent desire was to be a blessing to others, whether through a performance, time spent in prayer together, jump starting a car, or sharing an encouraging post on Facebook.

David also worked as an insurance professional for 22 years with his career culminating as a senior business analyst at Seibels in Columbia, S.C. However, David considered his greatest achievements in life to be marrying his lovely wife, raising three daughters, and doting on his two grandsons. The Williamsons have been and will remain a close family who operate under the motto, “We are the Williamsons. We do everything together!” David’s other great passions became gardening, grilling, and barbecue (for which his family promises to continue these traditions in his memory, but with a much smaller garden).

Despite his illness, David remained focused on his trust in God and love for others until the very end. He leaves a legacy of faith, love, leadership, service, humor, and a zest for life that will influence his family, friends, and others for generations. The seeds he planted by faith have and will continue to produce a harvest that only can be known in heaven, and those who loved him look forward to the day they join David in praising God in glory.

David is predeceased by his parents, Woodrow Wilson Williamson, Sr. and Mildred Pridemore Williamson; his sister, Phyllis Elaine Williamson, and brother, Woodrow Wilson Williamson, Jr.; his father-in-law, Billy Eugene Pruitt, and mother-in-law, Carolyn Hopkins Pritchett, and his nephew, Kevin Randall Taylor. David is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 41 years, Robin Pruitt Williamson; three daughters, Phyllis Renée Williamson Chow (Curtis), Caitlin Williamson Stokes (Jack), and Alyssa Williamson; two grandchildren, David Nolan Chow and Peter Caden Chow; sister, Joye Williamson Taylor (Randy); brother-in-law, Alan David Pruitt (Tuesday), and his nieces Reesa Taylor Boone, Adrienne Taylor Hutto, Haley Alana Pruitt, and Ashlyn Grace Pruitt.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 24, at 11 a.m. at Ebenezer Pentecostal Holiness Church in South Congaree, S.C. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Phil’s Friends, an organization that helped support David before and during his stem cell transplant.