David Eugene Huckabee, Sr.

David Eugene Huckabee Sr., 78, of Lake City died peacefully at home Monday, January 8, 2018 after an illness.

A son of the late Eugene Kershaw and Alene Hilton Huckabee, he was born in Bethune, S.C. on February 2, 1939.

After graduating from Bethune High School, David attended Newberry College before enlisting in the U.S. Army. He was stationed at Ft. Jackson in South Carolina, Ft. Dix in New Jersey and in France. While home on furlough, he married Marlene Marshall Huckabee, his wife of 57 years, June 4, 1960.

After his honorable discharge, David worked for General Telephone in Sumter before being transferred to the Lake City office. After leaving General Telephone, he worked as the floor manager for Avon Dale Manufacturing in Olanta, S.C. and as the plant manager for Yopp & Company Inc. in Florence, S.C. Until his recent retirement, he worked in the parts and rental department at K.G. Smith Co., Inc. in Lake City.

David was an avid fisherman and enjoyed telling countless stories of the big ones he landed and the even larger ones that got away. He spent many days wetting a hook with his fishing partner and good friend, the late Julian “Bubba” Dixon.

Along with Marlene, David brought joy and delight to numerous children over the years by portraying Santa and Mrs. Claus at Christmas parties and parades throughout the area. Even during other times of the year, young children would approach David in restaurants and in malls to tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas. David eventually started keeping a notepad with him so he could write down children’s Christmas wishes and handed each child a business card with a picture of Marlene and him as Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Nothing brought David more joy, though, than doting on his five grandchildren. He was always in attendance at their academic, sports, dance and other activities cheering them on. He was always quick to give bear hugs and words of encouragement.

David was an active member of Lake City First Baptist Church where he was a deacon and a member of the Abrams Sunday School Class. He used his gifted voice to sing the praises of his Lord and Savior as a member of the church adult choir.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Bobbie Huckabee, and a brother, Paige Huckabee.

In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by three sons, David Huckabee Jr. of Lake City, Brian (Gleve) Huckabee of Florence and Grant Huckabee of Kingstree; five grandchildren, Fern Wooden and Maggie Huckabee of Charleston, Bryce Huckabee of Florence, and Ragin Huckabee and Gavin Huckabee of Kingstree; a brother, Wayne (Susan) Huckabee of Chattanooga, TN; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends.

The family extends a special thank you to the Lake City First Baptist Church family, McLeod Hospice and Pam Coker, a wonderful and special friend.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 10, from 6-8 p.m. at Carolina Funeral Home in Lake City. Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 11, at 11 a.m. at Lake City First Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Lake City Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Lake City First Baptist Church, P. O. Box 820, Lake City, SC 29560 or Williamsburg Academy Bass Team, 1000 Sandy Bay Road, Kingstree, SC 29556.

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