David Phenix

David Phenix, local Free Times ranter and raver and dad joke connoisseur, passed away peacefully on January 19th at the age of 62. 

He is survived by his son, Matthew (Kaley); his grandchildren, Harper and Leia; his brothers, Glen (Cheryl), Claude (Tracey), and Joe Reilly (Gayle); and his many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by both of his parents Claude Euclid Phenix and Virginia Leaptrot Phenix.

David was born in Columbia, South Carolina on October 3rd, 1960 in the well-known Shandon neighborhood where he spent his childhood riding bikes, fixing cars, and getting away with everything being the youngest. He is an alumna of Dreher High School, Class of ’78. He attended the University of South Carolina for a brief stint and worked for the State of SC afterwards from where he eventually retired. Though a Columbia native, he was not a Gamecock fan. His love for fixing cars continued as a hobby, as well as cooking, playing guitar and singing, riding bikes, writing short stories, spending time at Lake Wateree, and taking vacations to Edisto Beach. He loved his late dogs, Stinker and Lulu, as if they were his other children.

He was “a simple kind of man” who loved his family and was always willing to lend a hand where needed. If he couldn’t fix something himself, at least you knew he tried his darndest to help. David was a selfless, loving, personable man. Though he wasn’t the largest presence in the room, he certainly was the warmest. He will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him for who he really was - may he rest in peace.

Donations in his memory may be made to the SCOA Cares Foundation online or at 166 Stoneridge Dr. Columbia, SC 29210or to Pawmetto Lifeline, 1275 Bower Parkway, Columbia, SC 29212

The family will receive friends from 11:00am to 1pm with memorial service to be held at 1pm at Moseley Funeral and Cremation Service in West Columbia on Saturday, January 28th.

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