Rev. David Leroy Addison, the last surviving son of Jesse and Emma Gilliard Addison, was born on February 17, 1932 in St. Stephen, SC. He departed his earthly life on June 27, 2018 to join his heavenly family.

Rev. Addison's education began in the public schools of Berkeley County School District. Upon graduation from high school, he enrolled at Benedict College, Columbia, SC, on an athletic scholarship to play football. After two years at Benedict College, he was drafted to serve in the United States Army. After securing an honorable discharge in 1956, he returned to Benedict College to continue his studies, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in 1957. After graduating from Benedict, Rev. Addison traveled to New York and worked at a hospital for two years. He returned home to accept a position to teach Biology at Russellville High School which later became St. Stephen High School. He continued his educational profession at St. Stephen Middle School. Throughout his educational profession, Rev. Addison also served as a varsity football coach and junior varsity basketball coach.

Rev. Addison met the love of his life, Maybelle Buncum, in June 1962 at South Carolina State College while attending summer school. On June 1, 1963, Rev. Addison and Maybelle were united in holy matrimony. This joyous union lasted for 55 years until his death. They were blessed with two children, Dennis and Sonya.

Rev. Addison grew up in St. Stephen Baptist Church where he received his early training in Christian faith. He was ordained as a deacon in 1970. Rev. Addison enrolled in Morris College School of Religion to advance his training in religious studies. He was called into the preaching ministry and licensed in 1973. In 1976, Rev. Addison was ordained a minister, and in 1979 he became the pastor of Jehovah Baptist Church, Bonneau, SC and St. Phillip Baptist Church, Russellville, SC. He served encouraging others to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. Reverend Addison served as pastor at St. Phillip for a short period, and then became the fulltime pastor at Jehovah Baptist where he served for 31 years.

Although Rev. Addison preached in the church house, he witnessed beyond the church walls through his involvement with the church, the school, and the community. He retired from teaching and coaching after 35 years of service, but returned to be a mentor to students at St. Stephen Middle for a short while. As a lifelong community member of St. Stephen, he served as a resource and confidant to many who called upon him for assistance.

Rev. Addison served as President of the Antioch Baptist Association Sunday School Convention for 28 years. He received many awards through his lifetime of service and contributions. In 2009, he received the Benedict College Mamie L. Duckett Award for his contributions to the church, school, and community.

A huge void has been left in the lives of those who will forever cherish his memories: his wife of 55 years, Maybelle Buncum Addison; his children, Dennis Lemanski Addison, Sonya Davida Addison-Stewart (Jerome), Evangeline Brown Gethers and Stonnie Brown; grandchildren, Sierra Stewart, Kendall Addison, Jordan Stewart, Rashaun (Nina) Gethers, Natalya Lampkin and Rashad Rollerson; five great-grandchildren; sisters, Annabell Green, Isabel Anderson and Iva Mae Armstrong; sisters-in-law, Elease Addison, Ora Lee Buncum, Evelyn Smalls, Thelma Buncum and Rosalee Ervin (Sam); brothers-in-law, John P. Buncum (Christine), Isaac Buncum (Clara), and Ernell Buncum; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.