David John Searcy

         David John Searcy, 79, died on August 11, 2025 at McLeod Regional Medical Center after a brief illness. 

         David was born March 11, 1946, in Bennettsville, SC, to Mabry and LaHentz Searcy.  He was a 1968 graduate of Wofford College, where he participated in the Army ROTC program.  After graduation, he entered the United States Army as a commissioned officer and graduated with honors from the US Army Primary Helicopter School.  From 1970 to 1971, he served in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot, earning the rank of Captain.  When his military service ended, David returned to Bennettsville.  In 1978 he formed Palmetto Packaging Corporation in Florence, relocating his family there in 1980.

       David was married to his devoted wife, Mary Elizabeth (“Betty”) Jennings Searcy, for 55 years until her passing in 2024.   “Day Day” loved spoiling his grandchildren and imparting humorous life lessons to them through his hand-drawn “Stickman” comics (eg, “Always drink upstream from the cattle”).  

       Surviving are his children: Stephen D. Searcy (Gail) of Columbia and Mary S. Falcone (Brian) of Florence; brother Donald Searcy of Chapmansboro, Tennessee, and sister Marcia Searcy Cleveland of Cedar Mountain, North Carolina; grandchildren: Caroline Edens Falcone, Patrick Noble Searcy, Elizabeth Jennings Searcy, Mary Grace Falcone, Jones Taylor Searcy and Anna Frances Falcone; and 15 nieces and nephews.

       Memorials may be made to Central United Methodist Church or the Florence Humane Society.

       A memorial service will be held at Central United Methodist Church, on August 15, 2025 at 2:00.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the Commons Area.   Burial at Mt. Hope Cemetery will be private.

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