David L. Whitehead

David Lauren Whitehead, 86 of Holly Hill, South Carolina, husband of Anne Whitehead passed away on Wednesday, November 20, 2024.

Born May 4, 1938, in Jacksonville, FL, to Violet Walker Whitehead and Robert Whitehead, David grew up in Jacksonville, attending Landon High School and later earning a BS degree at Jacksonville University. While serving with the U.S. Army in Germany, he met and married Anne, his wife of 60 years, describing her as "the best thing that ever happened to me." 

David later obtained a degree in advanced accounting from the University of Florida and earned a certificate in public accounting (CPA). In 1967, he joined Holly Hill Lumber Company and Santee Portland Cement Corporation as Comptroller, remaining with both companies until they were sold. He later opened David Whitehead, CPA, advising clients until his retirement.  

A man of deep faith and strong ethics, David lived by Luke 12:48: "...from everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded." He served his community as a member of the Holly Hill Town Council and as Mayor for 30 years, receiving the Governor's Rural Economic Achievement for Holly Hill. An active participant in civic organizations such as Tri-County Chamber of Commerce (charter member), Rotary, and the Lions Club, David also served in professional associations the AICPA and SCACPA. A faithful and active member of the Holly Hill Baptist Church, David taught the high school Sunday school class and led the youth group for several years. He and Anne later became founding members of Hope Lutheran Church where he taught adult Sunday school. 

David enjoyed good food, cooking good food (his specialties included steaks, ribs and Brunswick Stew), cheering on the Florida Gators, golfing, reading history, and traveling with Anne, especially to Europe and their North Carolina mountain home. He was deeply devoted to his family, providing a model of unconditional love. A proud grandfather, he took joy in encouraging his grandchildren and cherished his relationships with his sons-in-law. He was a respected leader, trusted friend and advisor, and truly enjoyed people, taking advantage of any opportunity to better know and understand people he met.  

Predeceased by his parents, sister Marian Newton, and granddaughter Hailey Anne Streater, David is survived by his wife Anne; daughters Caroline (Campbell) Streater, Christina (Daniel) Beckmann, and Laurie (Joey) Weatherford; step-son Frank Beutel; grandchildren Jamie (Kalin) Streater, Jake Streater, Nicklas Beckmann, Chandler Weatherford, Alaina Weatherford, Denise (Patrick) Routon, and Tamara Beutel; great grandchildren Maya Routon; River Chambers; Emery, Eliza, and James Allan Streater IV. He is also survived by his beloved nieces, a nephew, and many cousins.  .

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 24, 2024, 2pm at Hope Lutheran Church, 10154 Old #6 Highway, Vance, SC 29163. Visitation will be at the church prior to the service at 1:00 pm.  

The family would like to thank Virginia Bradley, Regina Whetsell, and Catrina Hutson for the compassionate care they showed David these last years. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any memorials be made to Hope Lutheran Church or Agape Care Group, South Carolina.  

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at avingerfh.com/.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Avinger Funeral Home, 2274 Eutaw Rd, Holly Hill, SC 29059, (803)496-3434.